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

The remains of the town were initially discovered in 1599 and by the 19th Century, scientists began to uncover the remains and preserved several in plaster. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

This technology can enable businesses to uncover patterns, trends and relationships that may not be visible through traditional data analysis. —Narendra Babu Vattem, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Rigorous review processes failed to uncover any significant instances of voter fraud, and the integrity of the counting and certification was maintained by public officials across the board. —Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024

Filmmaker Sav Rodgers uncovers truths about himself while examining his relationship to Chasing Amy. —Samantha Allen, Them, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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