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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Meanwhile, financial markets must continue to grapple with the ongoing government shutdown, which shows no signs of ending anytime soon and will keep key economic indicators under wraps. —Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025 The chart below from the Policy Forum shows the rates of teacher turnover over time. —Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Portobello at that time was a very, very popular show, which was able to get an audience of up to 28 million viewers, which is something unthinkable today. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025 The show, curated by Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha, examines how artists engage with the city’s layered history and architecture. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 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 twins displayed just how different their styles on the red carpet, but still agreed that leather footwear was the way to go for the event.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The 82-mile loop travels along lava fields, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and displays mountain views of six Cascade peaks.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of display
Verb
  • Well, that’s what the aforementioned six-week process is intended to reveal.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • These two games will be revealing.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of reveal
Verb
  • Whereas criminal suspects in this past may have been incriminated by a Google query on, say, how to clean up bloodstains, a more comprehensive, detailed back-and-forth with a tool like ChatGPT gives investigators far more opportunities to prove intent and mindset, Lee explains.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • After all, even repeating the consensus of the time is far from a surefire way of looking clever in 25 years, because various elements of the sport where there was a broad agreement about the direction of travel have proved misguided.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of prove
Verb
  • An army of around 200 volunteers from the church and several charities were making food, picking up trash, guiding guests and MC'ing dance showcases, said Mary Cantrell, who has been a key organizer since 1993.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
  • So long as Gabriel can avoid critical mistakes and turnovers that marred Joe Flacco's four-game stint as Cleveland's starter, the rookie should have a chance to keep the Browns in this contest and guide them to a second win over NFC North competition.
    — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The Patriots have taken the high road, steering clear of the public sniping.
    — Dianna Russini, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The container shipping companies have steered clear of the Red Sea and the neighboring Gulf of Aden due to ongoing missile and drone attacks from Houthi militants based in Yemen.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • The talks may not result in a final deal, but at present Coinbase appears to have the inside track over Mastercard.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Her son, now 6, in a Spiderman shirt and a blue cast from a playground accident, appeared next.
    — Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of appear
Noun
  • Highlights include demonstrations at the sawmill, gristmill, blacksmiths, Weavers’ Barn, Spinners’ Cottage, Short Track Railroad, farmhouse kitchen and West Coast Clock Museum.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In many ways, the 1963 Newport Folk Festival was a set-up for the March on Washington, the epochal Civil Rights demonstration that would take place just one month later.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of demonstration
Noun
  • There is a very interesting three-act structure for his character, as well.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Guided by purpose, clarity and harmony, the SS27 line-up speaks to the emerging generation of conscious consumers—where beauty meets responsibility and fabric becomes an act of expression.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of act

Phrases Containing show

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shoving (off)
show
show bill
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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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