reveal

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reveal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray, disclose, divulge, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

When is betray a more appropriate choice than reveal?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When can disclose be used instead of reveal?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When could divulge be used to replace reveal?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can tell take the place of reveal?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 reveal During a March appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Jelly revealed what he's learned after being married to Bunnie for eight years. Marina Watts, People.com, 24 May 2025 The observations revealed the companion galaxy is moving toward the quasar-hosting galaxy at about 1.2 million miles per hour (2 million kilometers per hour), indicating the two are in the midst of a high-speed collision. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 May 2025 Bank of America data reveals that domestic travel is up 3% as Americans, facing economic uncertainty, opt to explore closer to home rather than expensive overseas trips. Jackie Snow, Quartz, 24 May 2025 The list also reveals the male and female names that are the most popular: Olivia and Emma ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for girls, and Liam and Noah ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for boys. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • After introducing the idea, Aaron discloses that Fielder forgot to retract the plane's flaps during takeoff.
    EW.com, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Outside of Europe, Japanese reinsurers Tokio Marine and Sompo disclosed nearly 50 billion yen ($348 million) in losses, significantly higher than the $63 million estimated by JPMorgan analysts in the days after the fire.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • In fact, a recent study from Deloitte actually showed that around 25% of currently existing Bitcoins—a figure that amounts to roughly $40 billion—are currently vulnerable to quantum attacks.
    Amit Sinha, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Someone whose results show elevated levels may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.
    Mekishana Pierre Updated, EW.com, 27 May 2025
  • Egyptian archaeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The artists’ works will be displayed at the Tribeca Festival Hub at Spring Studios throughout the festival before being presented to this year’s festival award winners.
    Marc Malkin, Variety, 20 May 2025
  • Like Leads and Contacts, Insightly displays Opportunities in a table by default.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2025
  • During the archaeological survey, diggers uncovered ancient bones dating back to prehistoric times.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • But hundreds of thousands of Israelis demonstrate against the war each week, demanding the government agrees a ceasefire deal to release all the hostages still held in the strip.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
  • In November 2024, Russia demonstrated the capabilities of its own hypersonic missile with an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, going on television shortly afterwards to boast about the weapons capabilities.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2024, a highly intoxicated passenger on an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Seattle reportedly bit a flight attendant in the arm an hour after takeoff, the Japanese airline told The Japan Times.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • However, Merced told Variety in May 2025 that production of the third installment will likely begin in 2026.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Its summery beat and pop hooks are primed to reach a mainstream audience, and its twisting structure and intense second half make sure that the song doesn’t betray the band’s core appeal.
    Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 20 May 2025
  • His relationship with Elisabeth Moss’ June was a complicated matter that involved fathering one of her children, assisting her efforts to escape from/bring down Gilead and then betraying her at a crucial point in the rebellion.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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