as in finds
to come upon after searching, study, or effort
I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detects
The newest telescope is the spectacular James Webb Space Telescope, which cost about US$10 billion and detects a portion of the infrared spectrum.
—
Martin Elvis, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
Technologically, the Gen 3 4NE1 features high-torque joints, a lifting capacity of up to 100 kilograms, and a patented artificial skin that detects proximity to prevent collisions.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
The script detects the operating system and browser.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
When the algorithm detects flooding, the device can alert emergency responders.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
The humidifier also has a Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA) feature that detects the presence of water and runs the fan to dry off everything inside to prevent any mold growth.
—Euna Park, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Up to 18 alarms can be linked, ensuring that when one unit detects smoke or carbon monoxide, all connected alarms sound simultaneously throughout the home.
—New Atlas, 25 Dec. 2025
Using the same obstacle-avoidance algorithm as the self-driving car industry, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni also detects and avoids my house shoes and other items on the floor.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Logic detects patterns and refines them, mistaking iteration for innovation.
—Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detects
Verb
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The patient thriller finds Agnes lonely in her seedy motel, with a phone that often rings, though the person on the other end of the line never speaks.—
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Don’t miss out on fuzzy socks, best-selling makeup, clever home organizing essentials, and more under-the-radar finds starting at $4.—
Verb
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Later, Pine concludes that Teddy is in league with an associate named Gilberto Hanson, but his ally Sally Price-Jones (Hayley Squires) discovers that Hanson died 17 years prior in a helicopter crash that was never publicized.—
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On a languid boat trip through Champagne, France, a cruise-travel expert discovers the upside to sailing at five miles per hour.—
Verb
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In keeping with the Cinderella story, Fanny learns to withstand her active Aunt Norris’s cruelty.—
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After a couple’s baby boy is taken, the desperate mother learns of a way to bring him back.—
Verb
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Anyone who locates them is asked to contact Area 4 detectives at 312-746-8255, or call 911.—
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More than $22,000 in Canadian dollars has been raised through the family’s GoFundMe campaign since May 28, with donations going toward the search for the missing individuals and a reward for whoever locates them.—
Cite this Entry
“Detects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detects. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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