detect
Usage
What are other ways to say detect?
To detect implies becoming aware of something that had been obscure, secret, or concealed: to detect a flaw in reasoning. To ascertain is to verify facts by inquiry or analysis: to ascertain the truth about an event. To learn is to add to one's knowledge or information: to learn a language. 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.
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.
"We work continuously to strengthen our safeguards to detect harmful intent, limit misuse, and respond appropriately when safety risks arise," the company said.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
Only after numerous medical consultations did physicians eventually detect a probable connection between her heart and hearing conditions.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
"We need to be taking care of our night skies and keeping them clear and dark so we can detect these tiny and faint objects," she said.
From Science Daily • May 8, 2026
The group used a technology known as soil vapor sampling, which they say could detect volatile organic compounds associated with decomposing human remains.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Failing to detect the major element, the dead animal pelt.
From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
Vocabulary lists containing detect
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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List 9
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