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

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

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.

Uncover once onions are translucent and add carrots, celery and sturdier vegetables in your mix.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2025

Uncover the bowl, and mix dough again for about 7 minutes until it’s smooth and satiny.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Uncover and cook, turning often, until the centers reach 160°F. Add ½ cup water, the sliced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon paprika, thyme sprigs and olives.

From Washington Times • Jun. 23, 2023

Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are nicely browned in spots and the bottom of the pot is covered with stuck-on bits, 20 to 25 minutes.

From Washington Post • Feb. 17, 2023

Uncover a Frenchman's head and his friends are immediately alarmed for his health.

From Narrative of Richard Lee Mason in the Pioneer West, 1819 by Mason, Richard Lee

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