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

No matter the event, the value always comes back to the relationships between the members and the emphasis on uncovering the value of a holistic approach to ambition and a life well lived. —Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Archaeologists in Germany recently uncovered a trove of artifacts from a 17th-century military camp — including some that shed light onto a mysterious grave. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

For each success, guide me with questions to uncover the specific conditions, actions, and mindset factors that contributed to the outcome. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

From hitting the slopes to uncovering how the region's border conflict has impacted its food, Tucci is sure to take viewers on a whirlwind ride. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 16 Apr. 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