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

In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. —David Aldridge, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

Something gets uncovered and suddenly this or that candidate falls away. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025

Set piece mastermind Chris Sharpe should aim to uncover the aerial set piece threat Awaziem was earlier in his career. —Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025

When Isaiah is imprisoned for attempting to assassinate Ross, despite the evidence of his mind being controlled, Sam disobeys Ross and decides to uncover the conspiracy himself, along with his partner Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez). —Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 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