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

Example Sentences

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 Photos: How George Floyd's death reignited a movement People demonstrate outside of a burning Minneapolis police precinct on May 28. —

John Blake, CNN, 18 Mar. 2023 By showcasing their experience with specific projects and solutions, IT service providers can demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality solutions and establish themselves as knowledgeable and experienced experts in their field. —

Worth Davis, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023 This week’s actions demonstrate our resolute commitment to ensure that depositors’ savings remain safe. —

Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 16 Mar. 2023 The Silicon Valley Bank crisis appears to demonstrate the danger of the Federal Reserve not properly performing one of its central functions: acting as a lender of last resort during a run. —

Hal Scott, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2023 Both schemes are supposed to demonstrate that TikTok is protecting Western data and minds from China’s spies and propagandists. —

David Meyer, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2023 And by deliberately excluding the United States, the Saudis, especially, can demonstrate their intention to diversify their backers and interests. —

Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2023 At Wednesday's event in Houston, an Axiom employee modeled a dark spacesuit, doing squats and twisting at the waist to demonstrate its flexibility. —

Marcia Dunn, Chron, 15 Mar. 2023 Davoyan and his colleagues have most of this year to demonstrate to NASA and other potential partners that their propulsion system could be viable. —

Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demonstrate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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