demonstrate
verb
dem·on·strate
ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt 
demonstrated; demonstrating
1
: to show clearly
demonstrate a willingness to cooperate
must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class
The police demonstrated calm restraint during the riot.
2
a
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
crowded classrooms that demonstrate the need for more schools in the area
b
: to illustrate and explain especially with many examples
demonstrate a procedure
3
: to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer
demonstrate a new kitchen gadget
: to make a demonstration
Allow me to demonstrate.
crowds demonstrating for the right to vote
Examples of demonstrate in a Sentence
Each student must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class.
Employees must demonstrate competence in certain skills before they can work independently.
The medication will not be marketed until it is demonstrated to be safe.
The latest test results clearly demonstrate that the vaccine works.
The group's failed efforts demonstrate how difficult it is to convince people to change their habits.
They have demonstrated a willingness to negotiate.
Several people will be demonstrating traditional farming techniques.
The instructor demonstrated the correct procedure for pruning a tree.
Would you mind demonstrating how the machine works?
Recent Examples on the Web
Small and mid-sized businesses need to build a portfolio of content types: short-form opinion pieces that can be published quickly in response to happenings in your niche, and deep-dive white papers to demonstrate authority.
—
Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Palestinians demonstrated against Hamas in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, in what appeared to be the largest protest against the militant group since the October 7 attacks.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Patients might experience better birth outcomes Recent research has also demonstrated a link between ACEs and poor birth outcomes or perinatal complications.
—Katrina Donham, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Where is his trademark shock and awe — going bi-coastal in that endeavor — maybe make one throw on the East Coast, then storm in on Air Force One to hit the West Coast (with an eye toward winning California the next time) — demonstrating the majesty of his office?
—Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demonstrate
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.
Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Palestinians demonstrated against Hamas in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, in what appeared to be the largest protest against the militant group since the October 7 attacks.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Patients might experience better birth outcomes Recent research has also demonstrated a link between ACEs and poor birth outcomes or perinatal complications.
—Katrina Donham, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Where is his trademark shock and awe — going bi-coastal in that endeavor — maybe make one throw on the East Coast, then storm in on Air Force One to hit the West Coast (with an eye toward winning California the next time) — demonstrating the majesty of his office?
—Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demonstrate
Cite this Entry
“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstrate. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
demonstrate
verb
dem·on·strate
ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt
demonstrated; demonstrating
1
: to show clearly
2
a
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
b
: to illustrate and explain especially with examples
3
: to show publicly the good qualities of a product
demonstrate a new car
4
: to make a public display (as of feeling or military force)
citizens demonstrated in protest
Medical Definition
demonstrate
verb
dem·on·strate
ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt
demonstrated; demonstrating
1
: to show clearly
demonstrated the artery arteriographically
2
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
: to make a demonstration
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share