DISCOVER Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

discover

verb

di-ˈskə-vər

Definition of discover next

as in to realize

to come to an awareness of I was startled to discover that my keys were missing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to find

to come upon after searching, study, or effort we hope to discover the real reason for his odd behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (as information previously kept secret) discovered to his friend how people whom he had trusted had betrayed him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The cases were discovered during routine inspections. —

Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2025 Lyons had discovered Space Club, a 36,000-square-foot indoor playground that opened its second location this winter in what used to be a private school in prime Fort Greene. —

Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 7 Feb. 2025 Additionally, the team wondered why only two small fragments of the headpiece were discovered. —

Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025 Get out of your rut, get set for surprises, and get ready to discover your joy. —

Renee Winick, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for discover

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover

Verb

Two teams vie for a chance at history Many people don't realize the Super Bowl is more than just the fleeting hours of the game and a 15-minute halftime show.

— Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
But due to widespread deforestation, palm oil plantations and erosion, my team and I realized that much of the ancient landscape that remains above water has been obliterated—and finding signs of archaic life remains elusive.

— Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025