breakthrough

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌthrü How to pronounce breakthrough (audio)
Definition of breakthroughnext
as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans

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Example Sentences

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 breakthrough His victory represented a major electoral breakthrough for the anti-corruption movement that had emerged from the protests of 2015. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 The goal of the intensive mentorship program is to provide educational resources, professional guidance, and career-building opportunities specifically to military veterans who are seeking a breakthrough into the television industry. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 His greatest international breakthrough came with The Godfather, whose instantly recognizable themes helped establish Rota as one of the defining film composers of his era. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026 This led to the landmark scientific breakthrough that resulted in the development of the first Alzheimer's vaccine. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
  1. improvement
  2. advance
  3. advancement
Noun
  • Board members voted Tuesday to release a report detailing the investigation into Hill, including the process, lessons learned and recommended improvements, by the end of September.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So your improvement is about four to five times bigger than what the average participant in our study gained.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of improvement
Noun
  • Technological advances have already made drones cheaply and readily available for purchase, with longer ranges, higher payloads, and an improved ability to evade electronic warfare.
    — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Continuous investment in research and development ensures clients benefit from the latest advances without becoming locked into specific technologies.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of advance
Noun
  • One specific area that is actively being explored is the potential of using bacteriophages, which are originally viral in nature, in conjunction with advancements in AI to help detect, track and destroy resistant bacteria forms.
    — Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of advancement

Browse Nearby Words

break the law
breakthrough
breakthroughs
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Cite this Entry

“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on breakthrough

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breakthrough

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