uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ən-ˈkə-vər 

uncovered; uncovering; uncovers

transitive verb

1

: to make known : bring to light : disclose, reveal

uncover the truth

2

: to expose to view by removing some covering

3

a

: to take the cover from

b

: to remove the hat from

uncovered his head

4

: to deprive of protection

intransitive verb

1

: to remove a cover or covering

2

: to take off the hat as a token of respect

Synonyms

• bare
• disclose
• discover
• divulge
• expose
• let on (about)
• reveal
• spill
• tell
• unbosom
• uncloak
• unmask
• unveil

Examples of uncover in a Sentence

Police uncovered a criminal plot.

Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of an ancient city.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, security researchers have uncovered a vital component of those attacks, used to disable anti-malware protections. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

In December, an investigation by The Information uncovered 262 cases of AI adoption across 170 local councils, with AI being used for everything from keeping drivers informed about available parking to helping the public sort their recycling. —Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2025

However, the find Seip uncovered during a trip to a Goodwill in Western Pennsylvania was decidedly different to most. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

The Emilia Pérez star was on course to make history as the first openly transgender actress to win an Academy Award when journalist Sarah Hagi uncovered her questionable X/Twitter missives dating back to 2016. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for uncover

• discover
• hardcover
• recover
• thereover
• cover
• hover
• plover
• rediscover
• undercover

Kids Definition

uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ˌən-ˈkəv-ər 

1

: to make known : disclose, reveal

uncover a plot

2

: to expose to view by removing some covering

uncover the ruins of an ancient city

3

a

: to take the cover from

uncover the box

b

: to remove the hat from

c

: to take off one's hat as a sign of respect