as in improvements
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
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Recent Examples of breakthroughs
But top bankers and regulators also recognize that Europe is lagging in AI investment and the development of frontier companies driving breakthroughs.
—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Still, given the inherently mysterious nature of UAPs, Gallaudet didn’t rule out potential blockbuster breakthroughs as a result of the council’s work.
—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
2 July 2026
Any plan that relies on nuclear energy breakthroughs on a tight timeline carries plenty of risk.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
In 2026, those predictions spanned everything from global economic realignment to breakthroughs in healthcare.
—
Marjorie Parker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
These are all major breakthroughs for a soccer-loving continent that had been underrepresented on the sport’s biggest stage and whose soccer success was often stymied by financial struggles and administrative corruption.
—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
The initiative could yield returns in the form of new prescription drugs or medical breakthroughs, which would help the state recoup its investment.
—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2026
With the identification of the bottom quark in 1977 and the top quark in 1995, the scientific breakthroughs helped prove the foundational architecture of the universe and verified the standard model of particle physics.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
For example, if artificial intelligence turns out to be an expensive and energy-intensive technology incapable of delivering meaningful breakthroughs or cost savings, a company that spent billions on specialized data centers could be forced to reduce—or write down—the value of those assets.
—
Colin Dodds,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 June 2026
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Still, given the inherently mysterious nature of UAPs, Gallaudet didn’t rule out potential blockbuster breakthroughs as a result of the council’s work.
—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
2 July 2026
Any plan that relies on nuclear energy breakthroughs on a tight timeline carries plenty of risk.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
In 2026, those predictions spanned everything from global economic realignment to breakthroughs in healthcare.
—
Marjorie Parker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
These are all major breakthroughs for a soccer-loving continent that had been underrepresented on the sport’s biggest stage and whose soccer success was often stymied by financial struggles and administrative corruption.
—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
The initiative could yield returns in the form of new prescription drugs or medical breakthroughs, which would help the state recoup its investment.
—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2026
With the identification of the bottom quark in 1977 and the top quark in 1995, the scientific breakthroughs helped prove the foundational architecture of the universe and verified the standard model of particle physics.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
For example, if artificial intelligence turns out to be an expensive and energy-intensive technology incapable of delivering meaningful breakthroughs or cost savings, a company that spent billions on specialized data centers could be forced to reduce—or write down—the value of those assets.
—
Colin Dodds,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs
Noun
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Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
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The mid-20th century also ushered in improvements in heart disease treatments.
Noun
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The Nasdaq Composite saw its largest quarterly gain since 2020, powered by record-setting advances in semiconductor stocks and cybersecurity leaders.
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Yes, of course there have been thousands of technological advances in my lifetime, and my smart phone is full of helpful apps.
Noun
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Still, the experts say, the result of the laws has been significant advancements in knowledge and perception of the Tequesta and their predecessors, and the preservation of at least a portion of some significant sites.
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The author contrasts the unifying spirit of the 1976 Bicentennial with today's pervasive division, despite significant advancements in rights for women, minorities, and the disabled.
Cite this Entry
“Breakthroughs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthroughs. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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