Definition of detectionnext
as in discovery
the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time my detection of the scent of baked apple pie led me to the kitchen

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detection But in the near term there are more practical uses, such as cooling materials to ultra-low temperatures, medical research, and neutron detection. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 This article was updated to note that Deloitte has an investment in the space business through its Silent Shield cyber detection system. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 On appeal, the prosecution argued additionally that the guilty verdict should not be set aside because the lab’s detection of traces of a single chemical element common to gunshots was relatively inconsequential in the overall state case. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 One of six K-9s with the sheriff’s office, Koda is trained in narcotics detection, tracking people, article searches and obedience. Marissa Yelenik, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detection
discovery
Noun
  • The story comes about a year after a New Orleans couple made a similarly mysterious discovery in their backyard.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But this discovery has also presented Miller-Idriss and PERIL with an intriguing approach to preventing multiple forms of violence.
    Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detection. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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