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
Now might be the time to mention that Scott doesn’t wear that tool belt just for show.
—
Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Dinner and show tickets are $43-$47, $33 for children 15 and younger and for show-only.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2025
Robinson’s honorary captain moniker wasn’t just for show.
—Mike Kaye
october 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
The lines on roadways are just for show!
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
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.
Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Dinner and show tickets are $43-$47, $33 for children 15 and younger and for show-only.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2025
Robinson’s honorary captain moniker wasn’t just for show.
—Mike Kaye
october 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
The lines on roadways are just for show!
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share