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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Recent Examples of breakthrough
Artificial intelligence technologies hold huge promise for the biotechnology industry, which hopes analysis of massive datasets could unlock incredible breakthroughs in disease treatment.
—
David Prosser, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
As the conflict dawned in the late 1940s, the government quickly realized that universities could do more to help than simply provide scientific breakthroughs and defense materials: the humanities and social sciences could be just as valuable in fighting the Soviets.
—Time, 20 May 2025
However, the big breakthrough at Castilla this season has been that of Munoz.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Regeneron pointed to its own genetic testing of some 3 million people over the course of various research studies, saying the information had helped facilitate pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
David Prosser, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
As the conflict dawned in the late 1940s, the government quickly realized that universities could do more to help than simply provide scientific breakthroughs and defense materials: the humanities and social sciences could be just as valuable in fighting the Soviets.
—Time, 20 May 2025
However, the big breakthrough at Castilla this season has been that of Munoz.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Regeneron pointed to its own genetic testing of some 3 million people over the course of various research studies, saying the information had helped facilitate pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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Texas Rising Star is the state’s quality improvement system for child care, in which participating providers are rated on a scale of two to four stars.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2025
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While questions over mentality will be assessed, players’ physical levels showed a marked improvement, offering a sense of vindication for the coaching staff.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Attendees had been informed of the location just 48 hours in advance.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
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Larger groups can be accommodated with advance notice.—
Alexandra Kirkman,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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The settlement included over 4,000 Google employees in California and New York, with plaintiffs making the case that Google kept Black employees in lower-level jobs, paid them less, lowered their performance ratings and prevented Black employees from advancement.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Among the brand’s recent advancements in activewear, the StudioSmooth collection launched in February with leggings, bras, tops, a skort, biker shorts, athletic dresss and full zips.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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