Definition of detectionnext
as in discovery
the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time my detection of the scent of baked apple pie led me to the kitchen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 detection Experts highlight that the scans frequently reveal harmless anomalies or untreatable conditions, rather than actionable early detections. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Atlas is a 1-and-a-half-year-old Dutch Shepherd whose specialty is explosive detection and capturing suspects. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 The best way to prevent this cancer is through early detection, which is why awareness is so important. Care Resource, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 The department will also deploy counterterrorism resources, explosive detection K-9s, bomb squad personnel and heavy weapons teams, along with plain clothes officers and a harbor unit for the waterways. ABC News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for detection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detection
discovery
Noun
  • The Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said that the first discovery reveals details of daily life, urban development and economic activities in the Dakhla Oasis in the fourth century, when Egypt was part of the Byzantine empire.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • That improv continued into the 23-day shoot of the one-location film, which was shot chronologically to allow further character discovery throughout production, while providing the safety of moving linearly through the story.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 4 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detection. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on detection

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster