for show

idiom

1
: intended to be seen but not used or bought
We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show.
2
disapproving : done in order to gain the approval or favor of others
He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show.

Examples of for show in a Sentence

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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.
Over time, both partners may feel as though their love and affection for one another are just for show. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Some Senate Democrats see the plan to vote for cloture but against final passage as a way to thread the needle, while others have argued that a vote on the short-term continuing resolution isn't for show. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025 Before the war broke out 16 months ago, Israel would never have flown over a Hezbollah rally just for show. — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Indy Autonomous Challenge Maserati MC20 Autonomous Land Speed Record (Live Telemetry) Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge, explained this program isn't just for show, but to test the capabilities of self-driving tech in extreme conditions. — New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for for show

Rhymes for for show

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Cite this Entry

“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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