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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discover contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discover are ascertain, determine, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When is ascertain a more appropriate choice than discover?

The synonyms ascertain and discover are sometimes interchangeable, but ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is it sensible to use determine instead of discover?

While the synonyms determine and discover are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When might learn be a better fit than discover?

The words learn and discover are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

In what contexts can unearth take the place of discover?

Although the words unearth and discover have much in common, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discover Break the pattern and build something bigger: watch these 5 films Reject artificial limits and discover your full capability. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Local businesses and surf shops like the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy, Surfin’ NSB, and Nichols Surf Shop (which has been open since 1969 and is the town’s oldest surf shop) all employee seasoned instructors who are more than ready to help beginners discover the thrill of catching their first wave. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 May 2025 First discovered: 12:10 p.m. May 27 Initial location: San Diego County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Pine A new wildfire was reported today at 12:10 p.m. in San Diego County. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2025 Egyptian archaeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry. Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for discover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover
Verb
  • After hearing chatter on the radio about the Seattle aquarium, Ellie realizes that Nora (Tati Gabrielle) hinted that Abby was hiding out there.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • But maybe if the Sun Sentinel published a game story once in awhile, the people of South Florida would realize that Miami actually has a big-league team.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • More information can be found online at pnw.edu/leadership-institute or by reaching out to the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@pnw.edu.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Grads react as billionaire gives them $1,000: Watch video Yelp unveils its top 25 burger chains in the US: See the list Spotify reveals predictions for 30 top songs of summer 2025: See list Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • Biopsies of their tongues also revealed that those taking semaglutide had greater activity of genes that may be involved in taste bud renewal and transmission of nerve signals related to taste.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Workshop attendees will learn about free Arkansas resources, digital health clinics, a free 24/7 brain and spine call center, brain injury support groups and more.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • Bledel’s absence from The Handmaid's Tale was explained in the season 5 premiere when June learns that Emily left her wife, Sylvia (Clea DuVall), and their son, Oliver (Charlie Zeltzer), in Canada and returned to Gilead to resume the fight.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Find the Big Dipper's pointer stars − located on the outer edge of the ladle.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The theater and facilities are located at Inspiration Point northwest of Eureka Springs on US Highway 62.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • After introducing the idea, Aaron discloses that Fielder forgot to retract the plane's flaps during takeoff.
    EW.com, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Outside of Europe, Japanese reinsurers Tokio Marine and Sompo disclosed nearly 50 billion yen ($348 million) in losses, significantly higher than the $63 million estimated by JPMorgan analysts in the days after the fire.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The seashore added that those who see wildlife in need of help can call its hotline at (252) 216-6892.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Some people may notice improvements in six to eight weeks, but others may not see any changes until 12 weeks.
    Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2025
  • For even better results, turn your compost while it’s uncovered.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discover. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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