Uncover vs. Reveal — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
Uncover involves removing a cover to expose something hidden, while reveal often implies making something known that was previously secret or unknown.
Difference Between Uncover and Reveal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Uncover generally refers to the action of physically removing a covering from something, making it visible. This could involve literal actions such as taking off a lid or blanket. For instance, uncovering a painting involves removing the cloth that hides it from view. Reveal, on the other hand, tends to be used in contexts where information, feelings, or facts are made known or exposed. This can happen without any physical action of uncovering. For example, revealing a secret doesn't involve the removal of a physical barrier but entails sharing information that was previously hidden.
While uncover might often involve a physical aspect, reveal is broader and can also apply to abstract concepts. Uncovering a historical artifact during an excavation is about the physical discovery, whereas revealing the history behind the artifact involves explaining its significance and story.
Both terms can be used metaphorically to describe the process of making something known. However, uncover usually implies some effort or action to remove obstructions to visibility or understanding, whereas reveal might not necessarily involve effort in the discovery process, focusing more on the act of disclosure itself.
In some contexts, the two terms can be interchangeable, especially when the distinction between physical and informational discovery is blurred. For instance, uncovering a conspiracy might involve both the literal investigation to find evidence and the metaphorical revelation of the truth behind it.
Comparison Chart
Primary Context
Physical removal of covering
Disclosure of information or truth
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Action Involved
Physical action to expose something
Sharing or making something known
Usage in Sentences
Often involves tangible objects
Can be used for abstract concepts
Effort
Implies effort to remove obstructions
Focuses on the act of disclosure
Interchangeability
Sometimes interchangeable with reveal
Sometimes interchangeable with uncover
Compare with Definitions
Uncover
To expose to view by removing or shifting a covering.
He uncovered the old painting, revealing its beauty for the first time in decades.
Reveal
To disclose or divulge information.
She hesitated before revealing her plans to the family.
Uncover
To reveal through investigation or research.
Researchers uncover new scientific facts through diligent study.
Reveal
To be the cause of something becoming known.
The investigation revealed the extent of the corruption.
Uncover
To remove a cover or covering from something.
Archaeologists uncover ancient ruins beneath the desert sands.
Reveal
To make clear or manifest.
The study reveals the impact of diet on health.
Uncover
To discover something previously hidden or unknown.
Detectives work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
Reveal
To allow something to be seen by removing a cover.
The curtain was pulled back to reveal the masterpiece.
Uncover
To make something visible by removing what covers it.
The wind helped to uncover the hidden path by blowing away the fallen leaves.
Reveal
To make known something that was previously secret or hidden.
The author reveals the plot twist in the final chapter of the book.
Uncover
To remove the cover from
Uncovered the saucepan.
Reveal
To make known (something concealed or unknown)
She revealed that she was pregnant. The study revealed the toxic effects of the pollutant.
Uncover
To manifest or disclose; reveal
Uncovered new evidence.
Reveal
To cause to be seen; show
The curtains parted, revealing a ballerina. The x-ray revealed a broken bone.
Uncover
To remove the hat from, as in respect or reverence.
Reveal
To make known by supernatural or divine means
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans 1:18).
Uncover
To remove a cover.
Reveal
The making known of an important, secret, or salient occurrence, such as the revealing of a major development, plot twist, or visual effect in a movie
"Seeing [the Wiz] in human form in the first act diminishes the power of the reveal in the second" (Bob Verini).
Uncover
To bare the head in respect or reverence.
Reveal
The part of the side of a window or door opening that is between the outer surface of a wall and the window or door frame.
Uncover
To remove a cover from.
The model railway was uncovered.
Reveal
The whole side of such an opening; the jamb.
Uncover
To reveal the identity of.
The murderer has finally been uncovered.
Reveal
The framework of a motor vehicle window.
Uncover
To show openly; to disclose; to reveal.
Reveal
The outer side of a window or door frame.
Uncover
To remove one's hat or cap as a mark of respect.
Reveal
A revelation; an uncovering of what was hidden in the scene or story.
The comedian had been telling us about his sleep being disturbed by noise. Then came the reveal: he was sleeping on a bed in a department store.
Uncover
To expose the genitalia.
Reveal
(transitive) To uncover; to show and display that which was hidden.
Uncover
To expose (lines of formation of troops) successively by the wheeling to right or left of the lines in front.
Reveal
(transitive) To communicate that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction.
Uncover
To take the cover from; to divest of covering; as, to uncover a box, bed, house, or the like; to uncover one's body.
Reveal
To make known (that which has been concealed or kept secret); to unveil; to disclose; to show.
Light was the wound, the prince's care unknown,She might not, would not, yet reveal her own.
Uncover
To show openly; to disclose; to reveal.
Reveal
Specifically, to communicate (that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction or agency).
Uncover
To divest of the hat or cap; to bare the head of; as, to uncover one's head; to uncover one's self.
Reveal
A revealing; a disclosure.
Uncover
To take off the hat or cap; to bare the head in token of respect.
We are forced to uncover after them.
Reveal
The side of an opening for a window, doorway, or the like, between the door frame or window frame and the outer surface of the wall; or, where the opening is not filled with a door, etc., the whole thickness of the wall; the jamb.
Uncover
To remove the covers from dishes, or the like.
Uncover, dogs, and lap.
Reveal
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
Uncover
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
Reveal
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Uncover
Remove all or part of one's clothes to show one's body;
Uncover your belly
The man exposed himself in the subway
Reveal
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Reveal
Disclose directly or through prophets;
God rarely reveal his plans for Mankind
Common Curiosities
Can uncover and reveal be used interchangeably?
Yes, in some contexts, especially when the distinction between physical and informational discovery is blurred.
Is revealing always about sharing secrets?
No, revealing can also involve making any information or fact known, not just secrets.
How do archaeologists use the term uncover?
Archaeologists use the term to describe the process of excavating and exposing artifacts or structures that were buried.
Can a person reveal something unintentionally?
Yes, people can unintentionally reveal information or feelings through their actions or expressions.
Is it correct to say that a magician reveals his tricks?
Typically, magicians are said to perform reveals, but they usually keep the secrets of their tricks, not openly disclosing them.
Does uncovering always involve a physical action?
While often associated with physical actions, uncover can also be used metaphorically to describe discovering information.
How do detectives use the term uncover in their work?
Detectives use the term to describe the process of investigating and discovering hidden facts or evidence.
What does it mean to uncover something?
Uncovering something means removing a cover or obstruction to expose what lies beneath.
What does it mean to reveal your feelings to someone?
It means to openly express or disclose your emotions to another person.
What is the difference between uncover and reveal in a metaphorical sense?
Metaphorically, uncover implies effort to remove obstructions to understanding, while reveal focuses more on the act of disclosure itself.
Do journalists uncover or reveal information?
Journalists may use both terms: they uncover information through research and investigation, and they reveal it through their reporting.
Can technology be used to uncover hidden truths?
Yes, technology can play a crucial role in uncovering hidden truths, especially in fields like forensics and data analysis.
Can uncovering a fact change the course of an investigation?
Yes, uncovering a crucial fact can significantly impact the direction and outcome of an investigation.
Is revealing always a deliberate action?
Revealing can be either deliberate or accidental, depending on the context and the intent behind the action.
What does it mean when a study reveals new findings?
It means the research has made new information or discoveries known to the public or scientific community.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
