discovery

noun

di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rē How to pronounce discovery (audio)
Definition of discoverynext
1
as in finding
the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time the discovery of a new species of starfish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in find
something discovered his many zoological discoveries include several species of birds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discovery This led to our two papers outlining the discovery of the first seven dark comets in 2023. — Darryl Z. Seligman, Scientific American, 10 July 2026 The discovery of the Ekofisk field in 1969 transformed the city and helped propel Norway into one of the world’s wealthiest nations but today Stavanger’s appeal extends far beyond its energy legacy. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The discovery comes as city health officials investigate an outbreak of the potentially serious form of pneumonia across Manhattan’s Upper East Side. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026 Aside from the historical knowledge gained from these sites, the discoveries could also attract more tourists to the country. — Lea Tran, TheWeek, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discovery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discovery
  1. finding
  2. find
  3. detection
  4. exploration
  5. awareness
Noun
  • The amount of time that passed has only compounded the challenges of finding — let alone identifying — the victims.
    — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • For us humans, the finding offers academic comfort rather than practical salvation.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of finding
Noun
  • The discovery comes as Egypt seeks to promote new archaeological finds to support tourism, a key source of foreign currency for the country.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026
  • Some of our favorite finds include packable wrinkle-free tops, slip-on sneakers, comfy wireless bras, and hands-free crossbody bags for up to 54 percent off.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
Definition of find
Noun
  • Current satellite systems may revisit the same area only twice a day, Shoemate said, because they were designed primarily for weather monitoring rather than wildfire detection.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • The Congolese authorities declared a fresh Ebola outbreak May 15, after the disease had been transmitting for weeks without official detection, according to the World Health Organization.
    — Jean-Yves Kamale, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of detection
Noun
  • In terms of threading the needle between the experimentation and playing Lestat does before landing on a style that’s uniquely his, Lestat’s preference for musical exploration is akin to Hart’s own.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Well, the nation came of age industrially after the Wright brothers' historic flight and has been a leader in aerospace tech and exploration ever since.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • Their calendars, for instance, encode a sophisticated awareness of astronomical cycles that demands advanced calculations.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 July 2026
  • Growing awareness of the dangers social media poses for young, developing brains has shown up in a wave of new restrictions globally.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Definition of awareness

Browse Nearby Words

discovers
discovery
discredit
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Cite this Entry

“Discovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discovery. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on discovery

Nglish: Translation of discovery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about discovery

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