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.
This particular variant of the disease, Bundibugyo, is more difficult to detect than the more common Zaire variant.
From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026
"It's hidden and in people's homes, it's not always easy to detect."
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The tank released fumes for about five minutes, and air sensors to detect MMA in the area were set up the next day, officials said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
Future space-based gravitational wave observatories should be able to detect these binaries directly.
From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026
She was convinced he would detect a lie.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
Vocabulary lists containing detect
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!
NAEP Test Words
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!
List 9
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!
