demonstrate

verb

dem·on·strate ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt

demonstrated; demonstrating

Synonyms of demonstrate next

transitive verb

: to show clearly

demonstrate a willingness to cooperate

must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class

The police demonstrated calm restraint during the riot.

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

crowded classrooms that demonstrate the need for more schools in the area

: to illustrate and explain especially with many examples

demonstrate a procedure

: to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer

demonstrate a new kitchen gadget

intransitive verb

: to make a demonstration

Allow me to demonstrate.

crowds demonstrating for the right to vote

Choose the Right Synonym for demonstrate

show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent.

show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Examples of demonstrate in a Sentence

Each student must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class. Employees must demonstrate competence in certain skills before they can work independently. The medication will not be marketed until it is demonstrated to be safe. The latest test results clearly demonstrate that the vaccine works. The group's failed efforts demonstrate how difficult it is to convince people to change their habits. They have demonstrated a willingness to negotiate. Several people will be demonstrating traditional farming techniques. The instructor demonstrated the correct procedure for pruning a tree. Would you mind demonstrating how the machine works? See More

Recent Examples on the Web And as Meghan has demonstrated, there are so many ways to pair one with all your fall outfits. —

Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023 That app rocketed to popularity almost exactly a year ago, demonstrating the huge strides AI has made and making OpenAI the hottest tech startup on the planet. —

Patrick Smith, NBC News, 21 Nov. 2023 The cameras were rolling during the final phase of the audition process: a May 2022 boy band boot camp in Neve Shalom, an Israeli village founded in 1969 by Israeli Jews and Arabs to demonstrate that the two groups could live together in peace. —

Katie Bain, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2023 Other artifacts demonstrating the artistic innovation of the pharaoh’s reign include golden masks, carved sarcophagi, ornate jewelry and even a mummified lion cub. —

Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 Seen one way, then, The Challenge would seem to demonstrate the limits of art to speak truth to power. —

Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2023 As several recent studies demonstrate, the consequences of dirty air don't stop there. —

Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 20 Nov. 2023 But this architecture left the artery vulnerable, as demonstrated in recent days. —

Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2023 Just as the creators on TikTok demonstrated, the brush glided through every coil. —

India Espy-Jones, Essence, 17 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demonstrate.' 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

borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātus, past participle of dēmonstrāre "to draw attention to, indicate, describe, show," from dē- de- + monstrāre "to point out, show" — more at muster entry 2

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of demonstrate was in 1548

See more words from the same year