for show

idiom

1
: intended to be seen but not used or bought
We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show.
2
disapproving : done in order to gain the approval or favor of others
He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show.

Examples of for show in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Or, all of the secrecy the league and its teams participate in is a waste of time, and for show. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025 Dinner and show tickets are $43-$47, $33 for children 15 and younger and for show-only. Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025 But the color isn't just for show. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2025 Grab your bulb digger and set out these fabulous flowering bulbs for show-stopping spring blooms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for for show

Cite this Entry

“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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