discover
Usage
What are other ways to say discover?
The verb discover is used with objective clauses as a synonym of learn in order to suggest that the new information acquired is surprising to the learner: I discovered that she had been married before. To learn is to add to one's knowledge or information: to learn a language. To ascertain is to verify facts by inquiry or analysis: to ascertain the truth about an event. To detect implies becoming aware of something that had been obscure, secret, or concealed: to detect a flaw in reasoning.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, on the day of the transplant in 2020, the doctors were stunned to discover that the brother carried the CCR5 mutation.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
But such an old mammal bone was the last thing he and his daughter had expected to discover.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
"With more research, we may discover natural compounds that make today's cancer therapies more effective and accessible."
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
“Growing up hearing things about Coachella, I believed it’s a festival for people who really love music, and want to discover new music,” Maloi said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
Coach Gifford was about to discover that the athletic department was finally going to enjoy the editorial support it had long been denied.
From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing discover
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Beowulf vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Return to Titanic" and "Talking with Robert Ballard"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!