discovering

verb

present participle of discover
1
as in realizing
to come to an awareness of I was startled to discover that my keys were missing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finding
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
3
as in disclosing
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

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 discovering Whether discovering familyrun wineries, exploring historic neighborhoods with local experts, or simply lingering over lunch in a quiet piazza, travelers have the freedom to engage with each destination at their own pace. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026 As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of discovering and exploiting complex vulnerabilities, independent cybersecurity validation becomes even more important. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Two North Dakota men are suing a local hospital after discovering they were switched at birth nearly four decades ago, a revelation brought to light by a surprise result from a direct-to-consumer genetic test. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026 The Explore Midtown Pass is back for the third year in a row, encouraging Sacramentans to dive into discovering their neighborhood small businesses. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 Sulej and his colleague Wojciech Pawlak from the Faculty of Geology at the Warsaw University are credited with discovering the skeleton in southern Poland in 2023 and coming up with the idea to invite volunteers to help with its restoration. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 Khari Arnold founded The Library Dads in Atlanta in 2024 after discovering that regular trips to the library with his daughter, Ariah, became about much more than checking out books. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 The discomfort of boredom often becomes the spark for curiosity, creativity, independence and discovering lifelong interests. — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026 Originally launched in 1955 before undergoing several iterations, the show is responsible for discovering and launching young talent including Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discovering
  1. realizing
  2. finding
  3. disclosing
  4. learning
  5. locating
  6. revealing
  7. seeing
  8. uncovering
Verb
  • According to a New York magazine feature on World Liberty, Carter declined to join upon realizing that Witkoff appeared to know very little about crypto.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • The very employers that were quick to lay off workers because of the AI hype are quickly realizing that this rash decision is costly.
    — Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of realizing
Verb
  • After being subject to waivers, Land was claimed by the Indianapolis Colts and spent a season-and-a-half elsewhere before finding his way back to Dallas midway through the 2025 season.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • Kansas City’s starting goalkeeper, Lorena, has been appreciative of finding community in the city for her wife and their 12-year-old son.
    — PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of finding
Verb
  • Pan noted that the majority is effectively ruling in favor of immediately disclosing the material by denying Biden's request for an injunction pending appeal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • When pressed repeatedly by a Fox News cohost for specifics on the operation, Homan explained that disclosing that type of information could risk officer safety and prompt criminals to flee.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026
Definition of disclosing
Verb
  • The series features disabled, neurodivergent and learning disabled talent in key roles and draws on Matthew McDevitt’s own experiences in the care system to bring authenticity and nuance to its portrayal of social care.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • Though its design follows recommendations from teachers and learning scientists, no product setting can solve the problem on its own.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of learning
Verb
  • The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating an at-risk missing 13-year-old last seen early Wednesday morning in the La Riviera neighborhood.
    — Reeti Malhotra July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • The Boise Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teenager.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2026
Definition of locating
Verb
  • One that unfurls itself, revealing the expertly—and meticulously—weaved pieces of its rich tapestry, to all those lucky enough to spend a few days in its company.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • The cryptocurrency industry's decade-long promise of disintermediation is being redefined by 2026 trends, revealing the emergence of powerful new intermediaries.
    — Ifigenia Georgiou, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of revealing
Verb
  • Mead played three different infield positions for the Nationals, seeing time at third base, first base and second base.
    — Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
  • With softball seeing continued audience growth during the Women’s College World Series, college regular season and now the AUSL, expectations are rising as the sport will make its return to the Olympics at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
    — Molly Keshin, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of seeing
Verb
  • Table Linens Napkins and tablecloths are an easy, low-pressure way to incorporate seasonal color and spirit into your scheme, and thrift stores are the perfect venue for uncovering timeless gems that won’t break the bank.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
  • This strange and layered case is the subject of the documentary, A Toxic Love Story, out July 22 on Netflix, which recounts the events that led to uncovering Ian and Angela as the true sources of the harassment.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 22 July 2026
Definition of uncovering

Browse Nearby Words

discoveries
discovering
discovers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discovering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discovering. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on discovering

Nglish: Translation of discovering for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All