Synonyms for

Discovery

Verb / dɪˈskʌvɜ:i: / / dɪˈskʌvri: / / ˌdɪˈskʌvri: / Another word for discovery — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of finding or learning something new.

Synonyms & similar words

uncovering breakthrough find finding uncovering revelation disclosure exposure identification detection exploration realization recognition discovery discovery determination establishment verification ascertainment confirmation authentication attestation corroboration

Synonyms by register

Formal

finding unearthing identification detection

Informal

breakthrough find catch

Literary

revelation unveiling

Antonyms

concealment hiding secrecy obscurity suppression cover-up

Common collocations

  • scientific discovery
  • major discovery
  • accidental discovery
  • discovery channel
  • discovery process
  • discovery of America
  • discovery of penicillin

Word family

noun discovery
verb discover
adjective discoverable

Usage note

While 'discovery' often implies finding something new, it can also refer to the act of finding something that was already there but unknown to the finder. It is commonly used in scientific and exploratory contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The discovery of fire changed human history forever.
  2. The discovery of penicillin saved countless lives.
  3. My mom made a great discovery when she found the recipe for her famous cookies.
  4. The discovery of gold brought many prospectors to California during the gold rush.
  5. Scientists made a significant discovery when they found the Higgs boson particle.

Quotes

  • The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.
  • The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...'
  • The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

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