reveal

1 of 3

verb

re·​veal ri-ˈvēl How to pronounce reveal (audio)
revealed; revealing; reveals

transitive verb

1
: to make known through divine inspiration
2
: to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known
reveal a secret
3
: to open up to view : display
the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room
revealable adjective
revealer noun

reveal

2 of 3

noun (1)

plural reveals
: the act or an instance of showing, revealing, or disclosing something (such as surprising information or a new product) for the first time
Last year, in the fall and holiday after the reveal of the iPhone 7, Apple sold 78.29 million phones.Eric Limer
… it's tough to discuss the final volume of the series without acknowledging some of the big reveals of its predecessors.David Kamp
The big end reveal isn't just a shock; it's deeply upsetting, an emotional gut-punch.Matt Prigge
That fact will eventually become evident, no doubt … . That is the art of the slow reveal.Peter J. Boyer

reveal

3 of 3

noun (2)

: the side of an opening (as for a window) between a frame and the outer surface of a wall
also : jamb
Choose the Right Synonym for reveal

reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray 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

disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Examples of reveal in a Sentence

Verb She would not reveal the secret. The test revealed the true cause of death. It was revealed that they stole over $1 million. They revealed the plans for the new building. The expression on his face revealed how he felt. The curtain was lifted to reveal the grand prize. Pulling up the carpeting revealed the home's beautiful hardwood floors.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
De Sarno also shares personal experiences and reveals his vision for the brand. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 Baldwin’s filing also does not reveal the outcome of the motion, though Morrissey and Lewis remain on the case. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 William’s appearance meanwhile comes amid frenzied speculation about the status and wellbeing of his wife, which intensified after Kensington Palace released a family photo featuring her that was later revealed to have been digitally altered. Rob Picheta, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Research in space medicine has revealed various ways microgravity and other factors affect the human body during space missions. Fox News, 15 Mar. 2024 Glastonbury Festival has revealed its 2024 lineup and Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA have topped the bill. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 During the Love Is Blind season 6 reunion on Wednesday, co-host Nick Lachey — who also hosts Perfect Match — revealed that Jessica Vestal, Micah Lussier and Izzy Zapata will be competing for a second chance at love. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Wooden removing his own shoes and socks for a demonstration, revealing varicose veins from lower leg to foot along with hammertoes, killed the remainder of the excitement. Scott Howard-Cooper., Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Skinny silhouettes were, in hindsight, a highly unlikely proposition for mass adoption: not just physically constrictive but also revealing to a degree that could verge on a violation of privacy. Jonah Weiner, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reveal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English revelen, from Anglo-French reveler, from Latin revelare to uncover, reveal, from re- + velare to cover, veil, from velum veil

Noun (2)

alteration of earlier revale, probably ultimately from Middle French ravaler to reduce the depth of (masonry or wood), literally, to take back down, from Old French, from re- + avaler to let fall — more at vail

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reveal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reveal

Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reveal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reveal

verb
re·​veal
ri-ˈvē(ə)l
1
: to make known : divulge
2
: to show plainly : display
revealer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reveal

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