discover
Usage
What are other ways to say discover?
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. To learn is to add to one's knowledge or information: to learn a language. To ascertain is to verify facts by inquiry or analysis: to ascertain the truth about an event. To detect implies becoming aware of something that had been obscure, secret, or concealed: to detect a flaw in reasoning.
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.
It is disappointing to have a gift offered with an open heart — especially one of such great value — only to discover that it comes with strings attached.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
He was safely released thanks to the RSPCA, fire service and local vets only to discover he had been missing since 2022.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
“Having a native garden brings a unique level of joy because you discover you’re doing something for the native wildlife that no other type of garden can do,” he says.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
“We will discover and create new kinds of music, new genres, new forms of music,” Shulman says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026
And when it’s Sunday, and the nurses are both on duty, and it’s his day of the week to come downstairs, I discover he has fleas.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.