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

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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

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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

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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
Its most-recent such post was Feb. 12 and shows a man on a scooter with what appears to be boxes of large-screen televisions allegedly stolen from Target. —Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 The Peaky Blinders‘ creator, Steven Knight, is hopeful the upcoming film will be shown on the silver screen. —Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
That Mayhem single opened at No. 1 and had been running the show ever since — but now, McRae has replaced her, just as Gaga ended her initial winning streak. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 The latter closed out the show with Wyclef Jean and her son, YG Marley. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 10 Mar. 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
  • The event was inspired by the Korean pottery displayed in the museum’s Gerstner Collections Core.
    — Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Some proudly display the Israeli flag in their sanctuaries.
    — Yonat Shimron, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of display
Verb
  • The final moments of the episode also reveal that the parasitic alien Sequids are still roaming the sewers, the bloodthirsty Battle Beast is alive in space and Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown) survived the Invincible War.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 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
Definition of reveal
Verb
  • The screen has also proved useful for the goalkeepers playing behind Flick’s radical high line.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The bar for demonstrating a product’s value isn’t just about showing efficacy; companies must prove that new therapies offer meaningful advantages over existing options, including the standard of care.
    — Rita Numerof, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of prove
Verb
  • Residents want city planners to take notice and be a guiding hand for new investment in their community — especially since landmarks such as Puckett’s and Gary’s Barber Shop, which served the community for 59 years, will be or are already gone.
    — Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Newsweek spoke to Claire Law, a teacher and relational psychotherapist who specializes in guiding people through complex interpersonal dynamics, fostering understanding and growth in their relationships.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of guide
Verb
  • Yet one of the most important beneficiaries has been the medical field, where F1’s ability to steer change is well established.
    — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Carney will visit Paris and London to strengthen alliances and discuss economic diversification, while steering clear of Washington for now.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • The Borg-Warner Trophy appeared in Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time in 1936, when Louis Meyer became the first three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Chiu also wore a white Chanel cap that covered most of her hair, which appeared short in photos.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of appear
Noun
  • The company provided firearms for a live demonstration to the Mountain States Tactical Officers Association in Montana, the agency posted online.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Mar. 2025
  • What To Know On Saturday, around 3 p.m., dozens of protesters came together for a demonstration co-organized by several groups, including, The People's Forum, ANSWER Coalition, and New York Party of Socialism and Liberation, among others.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of demonstration
Noun
  • The band then became the first act to debut at No. 1 with its first six chart entries in the nearly 69-year history of the chart.
    — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Best Music Film: A Competitive Race The Best Music Film category has honored a mix of living legends and modern acts in recent years.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of act

Phrases Containing show

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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