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

Connections challenges players to uncover threads connecting a series of words. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

The second movie will pick up after the events of Part One, where Elphaba and Glinda uncover the Wizard's fraud and Elphaba is declared the new enemy of Oz. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. —Tony Jones, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

The narrative unfolds as Zheng and Li navigate the ransom demands, uncovering hidden secrets behind the abduction. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Dec. 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