show 1 of 2

verb

ˈshō How to pronounce show (audio)
Definition of shownext
1
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention fishing for compliments, the neighbors showed their new SUV to everyone on the block

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reveal
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to prove
to gain full recognition or acceptance of that shows we're right

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to guide
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed showed me how to play the guitar

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to appear
to come into view another car showed just as we were thinking we'd have the whole place to ourselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

show

2 of 2

noun

1
as in display
an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect the children made a show of disgust when confronted with asparagus

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in act
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive her "concern" for the less fortunate is all just a big show

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication a false show of strength that fooled the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a boat show at the convention center

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word show different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of show are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and parade. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

When is it sensible to use display instead of show?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for show?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When might expose be a better fit than show?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When can flaunt be used instead of show?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Where would parade be a reasonable alternative to show?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

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 show
Verb
The first photo showed Finnley in swaddle clothes and a large pink and blue hairbow. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 However, other studies show no benefit or possible risks, so more research is needed to understand its effects on heart health. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
The show was produced by 20th Century Fox Television. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 Related Articles Rolex Day-Date II — $36,800 Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) is almost always seen with her Rolex in the show. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
  1. display
  2. reveal
  3. prove
  4. guide
  5. steer
  6. appear
  7. demonstration
  8. act
Verb
  • Asia Asian stocks have displayed a mixed performance throughout Wednesday's trading session.
    — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The new portable console features a 7.9 inch LCD screen that displays in 1080p.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of display
Verb
  • Harry has Kiko take a look at the crate's contents, which are now revealed to us in all their gory glory.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Tim Plowman and Jim Duke would famously reveal coca to be both benign and chock-full of vital nutrients, but their nutritional study came a generation too late to inform the bureaucratic and political process that led to the criminalization of the plant.
    — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of reveal
Verb
  • Hiltz dropped a personal best in the 800-meter yesterday, proving to be one of the favorites to earn the large prize.
    — Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Now that team is trying to prove the investments were worth the cost.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of prove
Verb
  • The data, which is publicly available, guides policy decisions and constitutes a significant portion of the information the government submits to the international body that tallies global greenhouse gas pollution.
    — Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In unknown situations, your common sense and your best judgment should guide you.
    — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    — Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of appear
Noun
  • Students at Columbia University report a tense mood on campus after being center stage in the Trump administration’s multi-prong fight against protests at colleges around the country last year, including deportation efforts against some international students who took part in the demonstrations.
    — Samantha Waldenberg, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Electric Vehicle World was set abuzz recently through a demonstration by Chinese EV leader BYD of a car which could add 150 miles of charging range in around 5 minutes, a speed that suggested some similarity to a gasoline fill-up.
    — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of demonstration
Noun
  • Sudden Bitcoin Price ‘Crisis Scenario’ Fear Just behind Cyrus is another rock act with an incredibly bold title.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Following the act of protest, the referee of the University of Maryland match -- which was not an NCAA tournament -- issued a black card to Turner, removing her from the competition.
    — Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of act

Phrases Containing show

Browse Nearby Words

shoving (off)
show
show bill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on show

Nglish: Translation of show for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All