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

Police contacted the Anson County Landfill, the next stop for the dumpster’s contents, and were told that landfill employees would have seen a body, but it had not been uncovered. —Luke Fountain, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2024

The trial is designed to uncover cognitive risk factors and counter them with a personalized plan of attack. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 18 June 2024

To uncover the truth, Alexa investigates a world of high society gossip and hostile hair stylists. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 14 June 2024

Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante, along with deep-sea marine scientist Christina de Silva, and deep-water surveyors, study these alien sharks and uncover 17 different and unique species. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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