reveal

verb

ri-ˈvēl How to pronounce reveal (audio)
Definition of revealnext
1
as in to disclose
to make known (as information previously kept secret) at the end of the book, the detective reveals the identity of the mysterious stranger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to show
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs a habitual smirk that reveals his contempt for other people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Indeed, massive-scale incidents continued to increase between 2023 and 2024, accounting for nearly 60% of all incidents, the report revealed. —Ed Garsten, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 While the boulder was resting in the schoolyard for years, advanced 3D imaging and light filters were able to reveal the hidden details in the footprints, Romilio said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025 Ree Drummond reveals that the countdown is on for her daughter Paige Drummond's nuptials! —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Henry had been suspended in 2016 by Fox's chairman at the time, Roger Ailes, when tabloid reports revealed his relationship with a Las Vegas hostess. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
  1. disclose
  2. show
  3. discover
  4. display
  5. uncover
  6. demonstrate
  7. tell
  8. betray
Verb
  • Exactly who those four groups are wasn't disclosed, but some companies and notable figures have publicly put in their bid for the app.
    — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Her name was not immediately disclosed as cops track down family members.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of disclose
Verb
  • The first detailed nationwide data on schools’ recovery shows that achievement gaps have widened, with the poorest students the furthest behind.
    — Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • All the scans were clean and professional-looking, and scanned photographic images showed pleasing and accurate colors with an appropriate amount of contrast.
    — David English, PCMAG, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of show
Verb
  • Lao Cha, a janitor, finds companionship in a stray cat and befriends a woman named Li in a virtual world, only to discover that Li is actually a 10-year-old boy.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Read on to discover the 11 best comfortable sandals at Amazon, where prices are starting at $14.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of discover
Verb
  • Some proudly display the Israeli flag in their sanctuaries.
    — Yonat Shimron, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The event was inspired by the Korean pottery displayed in the museum’s Gerstner Collections Core.
    — Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of display
Verb
  • Issues with citations and publisher control The CJR researchers also uncovered evidence suggesting some AI tools ignored Robot Exclusion Protocol settings, which publishers use to prevent unauthorized access.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the 22,000-year-old drag marks, archaeologists have also uncovered footprints in White Sands National Park that may date back 23,000 years.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • Zare’s team demonstrated the existence of micro-lightning, very small electricity discharges that occur between tiny droplets of water spray.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
  • It will also be demonstrated at stands including those of ATSC and the Ultra HD Forum.
    — Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • The hiring manager later told him that what set him apart was his ability to explain why certain analytical approaches were appropriate in specific scenarios, rather than just applying them mechanically.
    — Lars Daniel, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Covarrubias’ next-door neighbor, who lost her home, said she had been told that keeping the trees could slow down the debris removal process.
    — Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of tell
Verb
  • When Kathryn is suspected of betraying the nation, George must decide what is more important — his wife or his country.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
  • His criticism of Vance appeared to come from a different place, however, echoing an outraged supporter base that saw the vice president as betraying British troops killed fighting American wars.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of betray

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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