as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
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Recent Examples of breakthrough
However, the biggest breakthrough came thanks to the amazing efforts of one of the shelter's staff members.
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Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
The breakthrough came in 2004, when researchers traced the cause to diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used in livestock.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
After a minor role in the Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace, Knightley had her career breakthrough at just 18, starring in a string of hits that included Bend It Like Beckham, Love Actually, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024
The writing across the record explores topics of sexuality, physical appearance, and the breakthroughs the 22-year-old experiences while creating it.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough 
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
The breakthrough came in 2004, when researchers traced the cause to diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used in livestock.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
After a minor role in the Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace, Knightley had her career breakthrough at just 18, starring in a string of hits that included Bend It Like Beckham, Love Actually, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024
The writing across the record explores topics of sexuality, physical appearance, and the breakthroughs the 22-year-old experiences while creating it.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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This aligns with a growth mindset, which emphasizes focusing on impactful tasks that drive improvement.Anthony A. Luna, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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To be sure, after losing Illinois by 17 percentage points in both 2016 and 2020, Trump’s loss to Harris by 11 percentage points was a marked improvement — on a percentage basis.Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Travelers in New York City, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, and San Francisco who reserve a car seat in advance will be set up with a Nuna RAVA seat.Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement The rapid advance by insurgents is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Syria’s President Bashar Assad, who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts.Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In an environment of rapid technological advancement and evolving trade policies, semiconductor capital equipment companies are positioned to thrive.John Buckingham, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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