reveal

Definition of revealnext

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 One of the most astute plot points involves the Minions finding early success as actors in Hollywood during the silent era but then losing their status as the talkies took over, revealing their puny, screechy voices. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 After his death, Gifford said that a posthumous scan revealed that the former football player also had a notable condition, CTE, that often shows up in athletes who've endured numerous hits to the head. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 Yesterday, the Los Angeles County medical examiner revealed that the official cause of Chase’s death was acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with other significant conditions, including chronic polysubstance use. Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 June 2026 Litigation records reveal a collaborative effort between law enforcement and Google that follows a three-step process. Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • That mother’s name wasn’t publicly disclosed in the court record containing her complaint.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The hearing Wednesday began with a discussion about how to screen documents that may be protected by attorney-client privilege before they are disclosed to prosecutors.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The younger James, who was drafted in the second round in 2024 to form the first father-son duo in NBA history, showed steady improvement during his second season.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • In April, authorities say investigators with the California’s Contractors State License Board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team discovered online advertisements offering construction services that did not list a contractor license number.
    Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • As the two form a close bond, Laila discovers there's some weird business going on within the house that threatens both of them.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Content resided on websites, and monetization depended on attracting human readers to specific digital locations where ads could be displayed.
    Vincentas Grinius, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The landlord will then have to pay upfront and bill the applicant with a receipt displaying the third-party vendor cost within 14 days.
    Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Astronomers have uncovered a pair of giant planets that are lighter than cotton candy — super-puffs the size of Jupiter.
    Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • The search uncovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, in various stages of decomposition.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • All of Rojas’ family members were OK, the Venezuelan native told reporters ahead of Friday’s game against the Padres in San Diego.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Sources told Axios that both sides agreed to halt attacks on each other and meet in Qatar on Tuesday to resolve differences over the Strait of Hormuz.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • And there's a saying in America, if someone betrays you, you've been sold down the river.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Regan argued skeptics like Newsom and the CTA were betraying their base.
    Ben Paviour July 2, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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