Radar

/ˈɹeɪdɑː/ noun, verb

noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.
  • Grammar: radar is listed as noun, verb.
  • Nearest alternatives: aa radar, afc, afc mixer, altimeter.
  • Useful contrasts: sonars.
  • Usage evidence: The ship is not equipped with radar.

How to use "radar"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "radar" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "radar" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "radar" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "radar" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "radar" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "aa radar" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "radar", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method. uncountable

    "They were able to find the enemy fleet using radar."

  2. 2
    Alternative letter-case form of radar. alt-of, dated

    "Police traffic RADARs can provide a speed reading on a detected target, but they cannot measure the range to the target."

  3. 3
    measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects wordnet
  4. 4
    In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.; In full secondary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing signals transmitted by the object in response to radio waves sent towards the object. broadly, uncountable
  5. 5
    In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.; Often preceded by a descriptive word: a system using one of the above detection methods, differentiated by configuration or platform, frequency, power, and other technical attributes. countable

    "The Ministry of Defence funded the development of an entirely new radar and improved avionics."

Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.; An installation of the apparatus for operating one of the above detection systems. countable

    "Each of these aircraft has been upgraded with a new radar and a more powerful engine."

  2. 7
    Often preceded by a descriptive word: a natural (for example, in an animal such as a bat) or human-made detection method based on the analysis of reflected signals other than radio waves, as light waves or sound waves; (countable) an instance of this. broadly, uncountable
  3. 8
    A superior ability to detect something; an awareness, an intuition. countable, figuratively

    "His sensitive radar for hidden alliances keeps him out of trouble."

Verb
  1. 1
    To use a radar apparatus (noun noun sense 1, noun sense 1.1, or noun sense 2) on (someone or something); to scan (someone or something) with, or as if with, radar. transitive

    "This was no ordinary signal for help that Baby-John was radaring to outer space, but a call that had to be heeded, for he had just seen two hard guys go down for the final count— […]"

Synonyms

All synonyms

Antonyms

Example

"The ship is not equipped with radar."

Common questions

What does "radar" mean?

In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.

What is a synonym for "radar"?

Common synonyms include: aa radar, afc, afc mixer, altimeter, amplifier, analyzer.

How do you use "radar" in a sentence?

The ship is not equipped with radar.

How do you pronounce "radar"?

Pronounced /ˈɹeɪdɑː/.

Etymology

Etymology 1

The noun is derived from RADAR by anacronymic evolution. RADAR is an acronym of ra(dio) d(etection) a(nd) r(anging) which was coined by Lieutenant-Commander Samuel M. Tucker and Lieutenant-Commander F. R. Furth of the United States Navy in November 1940. The verb is probably derived from the noun.

Etymology 2

Acronym of radio detection and ranging. Coined by the United States Navy in 1940. The lowercase form (radar) is by anacronymic evolution.

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