General synonyms:
* Discover: To find something unexpectedly or by chance.
* Find: To locate something or someone.
* Recognize: To identify something as being familiar.
* Identify: To establish the identity of something.
* Notice: To become aware of something.
* Perceive: To become aware of something through the senses.
* Observe: To watch carefully.
More specific synonyms:
* Discern: To perceive something with difficulty.
* Sense: To be aware of something through intuition or feeling.
* Uncover: To reveal something that was hidden.
* Spot: To see something quickly or suddenly.
* Pick up: To detect a faint signal.
* Isolate: To separate and identify a particular signal or component.
Synonyms emphasizing technology:
* Track: To follow the movement or progress of something.
* Monitor: To observe and check something regularly.
* Sense: To use sensors to detect something.
* Read: To interpret data from a device.
The best synonym for "detect" will depend on the specific situation and the intended meaning.