Synonyms

uncover

American

[uhn-kuhv-er] / ʌnˈkʌv ər /

verb (used with object)

to lay bare; disclose; reveal.
to remove the cover or covering from.
to remove a hat from (the head).

verb (used without object)

to remove a cover or covering.
to take off one's hat or other head covering as a gesture of respect.

uncover British

/ ʌnˈkʌvə /

verb

(tr) to remove the cover, cap, top, etc, from
(tr) to reveal or disclose

to uncover a plot
to take off (one's head covering), esp as a mark of respect

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of uncover

First recorded in 1250–1300, uncover is from the Middle English word uncoveren. See un- ², cover

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.

Finally, the hosts delve into the New York Times’ quest to uncover the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, and argue over the investigation’s conclusion.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

“Of course, this does not amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

It says this could "uncover new discoveries and a more nuanced appreciation for the features on the surface of the Moon."

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

To uncover these patterns, researchers used advanced machine learning and AI-based tools to analyze microbiome and metabolome data from patients with GC, CRC, and IBD.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

I can’t get Octavia to uncover her face, but she lifts it slightly.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023