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

Reduce heat to medium and boil steadily, uncovered, until potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 16 June 2025

Minnesota resident speaks at spot where Boelter was nabbed Authorities uncovered an arsenal in Boelter’s possession, documents said. —Audrey Conklin , Peter D'abrosca , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025

What stood out was how specific improvements uncovered weaknesses in the overall risk approach. —Dimitar Dimitrov, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

The report uncovered significant inequities between men and women, but despite such revelations, the Agency stopped short of implementing any new policies to course-correct. —Christina Hillsberg, People.com, 16 June 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