Synonyms of reveal

reveal

verb

ri-ˈvēl 

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

• disclose
• discover
• uncover
• tell
• expose
• share
• announce
• divulge
• unveil
• spill
• unmask
• bare
• leak
• bring to light
• publish
• let on (about)
• confide
• uncloak
• unbosom
• confess
• go public (with)
• proclaim
• declare
• inform
• acknowledge
• betray
• post
• spill the beans (about)
• unearth
• let the cat out of the bag (about)
• advertise
• relate
• admit
• show up
• publicize
• debunk
• impart
• promulgate
• talk
• communicate
• bring out
• broadcast
• own
• concede
• blab
• unclothe
• give away
• sound
• avow
• blaze
• squeal
• smoke out
• undrape
• disinter
• placard
• rake up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conceal
• hide
• cover (up)
• veil
• mask
• cloak
• disguise
• shroud
• camouflage
• enshroud
• obscure
• gloss (over)
• whitewash
• overshadow
• varnish
• gild
• shade
• darken
• eclipse
• overcast
• cloud
• becloud
• befog
• bedim

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

• show
• display
• demonstrate
• betray
• expose
• manifest
• communicate
• declare
• disclose
• evince
• uncover
• give away
• announce
• sound
• bespeak
• proclaim
• bare
• advertise
• publicize
• broadcast
• air
• uncloak
• unbosom
• project
• blaze
• trumpet
• placard

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misrepresent
• belie
• distort
• falsify
• disguise
• twist
• conceal
• hide
• camouflage
• cover
• obscure
• veil
• mask
• gloss (over)
• whitewash
• occlude
• garble
• gild
• varnish
• counterfeit

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

Recent Examples of reveal

Yzerman’s appraisal of the market is revealing, though. —Max Bultman, New York Times, 29 June 2025

The offer doesn’t reveal what the potential costs would be for the roads, sewers, utilities and other amenities. —Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

Instead, recent events in Iran have revealed that anti-Americanism can bind an alliance together only so much. —Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025

Machine Gun Kelly has finally revealed the name of his infant daughter with Megan Fox, nearly three months after the on-and-off couple welcomed their first child together. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025