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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 That entrance was eventually discovered in Nueva Tijuana, a neighborhood only a few blocks from the U.S. border. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 First discovered: 6:05 p.m. June 19 Initial location: Los Angeles County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Baker A new wildfire was reported today at 6:05 p.m. in Los Angeles County, California. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025 First discovered: 5:52 p.m. June 8 Initial location: Placer County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Deerborne A new wildfire was reported today at 5:52 p.m. in Placer County. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025 Overcoming the reticence at the heart of her shyness was like scaling a cliff only to discover another view of the real summit farther off. Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover
Verb
  • My brain kept convincing me that I had been stung and just didn’t realize it.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 19 June 2025
  • Although in-the-know locals flock here on the weekends, most beach connoisseurs don't even realize this pristine seven-mile stretch of paradise exists.
    Kara Franker, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Details on past launches can be found at the end of file.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Authorities found the bodies down an embankment at a campsite in the Cascade Mountains on June 2.
    Kerry Breen June 18, CBS News, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Variety can exclusively reveal several excerpts of new stories from the anthology alongside support from one of the biggest filmmakers working today.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 June 2025
  • One pivotal moment revealed the need to redirect our business model entirely.
    Michael Praeger, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • To learn more about Blanco Ahumado, as well as the history and legacy of Clase Azul, visit claseazul.com.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
  • Central to the trek is connecting with the region’s Sherpa people, and learning about their culture through song, dance, and food.
    Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • That same Friday evening at the Russell soundstage, located in another corner of industrial Long Island, things are grander than ever.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2025
  • Troopers were unable to locate Garcia, who later arrived at Troop D to turn herself in, according to state police.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The vulnerabilities, both given a high-severity rating and earning four-figure bounty rewards for the researchers who discovered and disclosed them, could enable a successful attacker to execute arbitrary code on your device with all the consequences that can bring.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • The company did not disclose the amount or terms of the deal.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni told reporters after the match, which finished 1-1, that Messi preferred to come off rather than see Scaloni take off young playmaker Thiago Almada.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 June 2025
  • Other parents witnessed the March on Washington, whereas my father saw Jackie Robinson don Dodger blue at Ebbets Field.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discover. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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