uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ən-ˈkə-vər 

uncovered; uncovering; uncovers

transitive verb

1

: to make known : bring to light : disclose, reveal

uncover the truth

2

: to expose to view by removing some covering

3

a

: to take the cover from

b

: to remove the hat from

uncovered his head

4

: to deprive of protection

intransitive verb

1

: to remove a cover or covering

2

: to take off the hat as a token of respect

Synonyms of uncover

• reveal
• discover
• disclose
• tell
• expose

Examples of uncover in a Sentence

Police uncovered a criminal plot.

Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of an ancient city.

Recent Examples on the Web

That year, the winner was Dutch physical chemist Jacobus Henricus van’t Hoff for his work uncovering how chemicals interact with each other in solutions. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Ashley Duong decided to make a film in response to his memoir to help further uncover painful memories that her father had kept from her and his family until they were revealed in his book. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Teymouri said investigators uncovered millions of dollars in antique sculptures and rare alcohol brands inside the Arcadia home, as well as bank statements showing at least one account holding in excess of $70 million. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Related Stories Grappling with her identity, Briar attempts to uncover the truth about the unresolved death of her mother, Mary (Cecilia Grace Deacon). — Mya Copeland, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for uncover

• discover
• hardcover
• recover
• thereover
• cover
• hover
• plover
• rediscover
• undercover

Kids Definition

uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ˌən-ˈkəv-ər 

1

: to make known : disclose, reveal

uncover a plot

2

: to expose to view by removing some covering

uncover the ruins of an ancient city

3

a

: to take the cover from

uncover the box

b

: to remove the hat from

c

: to take off one's hat as a sign of respect