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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

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show

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noun

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
One inning later, Schnieder could show a wry smile while discussing the situation. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 And though the video wasn’t up for that long, and didn’t really show their faces as clearly, just in passing in the background, there is indeed way more interest today about them and their future—inside or outside the royal family. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
Its galleries trace the history of astronomy and human space exploration, while its dome theaters host immersive shows about the cosmos. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 Comedian Nikki Glaser is slated to emcee the show. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • The logo of Softbank is displayed at a press briefing on Softbank’s new service in Tokyo on January 15, 2018.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The posts only displayed a few users’ comments despite hundreds of messages.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • That line—now the opening line of the novel—revealed that this time travel story would be about how to begin again.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Advanced spectroscopy and simulations revealed why.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The middle class, desperate to prove this distinction too, would spend an outsized portion of their income on glimmering dresses and other purchases meant to be seen by others.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Using floppy modes—motions requiring almost no resistance—can guide predictable deformations, allowing materials to perform computations efficiently.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The star quarterback guided the team on a 12-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a Josh Jacobs touchdown run.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The lack of vetoes signals Crowley's agreement that the board's changes strike the right note of protecting services for vulnerable residents while steering the county toward a more fiscally responsible future.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • As was the case a year ago, Fox heavied up on the Dallas Cowboys in the early half of the season, while steering clear of Jerry Jones’ mercurial bunch in the latter portion.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Eli Lilly is similarly developing a new injectable GLP-1, retatrutide, that appears to be even more effective than the current drugs on the market—and which the company confirmed is not currently included in its agreement with the White House.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
  • One form Asks whether the tree appears To exhibit a history of failures.
    MaKshya Tolbert, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Row between stores The backlash towards Shein has extended beyond demonstrations on the street and government probes.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Both address vulnerabilities that adversaries already exploit—and both have recent, tangible demonstrations that turn theory into operational reality.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But inside the party’s campaign circles, few doubt that Newsom’s next act is already well underway.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
  • There are also numerous acts looking to win a Grammy for the first time or the first time in a long time.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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