reveal

verb

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re·veal | \ ri-ˈvēl

revealed; revealing; reveals

Definition of reveal

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to make known through divine inspiration

2 : to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known reveal a secret

3 : to open up to view : display the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room

reveal

noun (1)

plural reveals

Definition of reveal (Entry 2 of 3)

: the act or an instance of showing, revealing, or disclosing something (such as surprising information or a new product) for the first time Last year, in the fall and holiday after the reveal of the iPhone 7, Apple sold 78.29 million phones.— Eric Limer … it's tough to discuss the final volume of the series without acknowledging some of the big reveals of its predecessors.— David Kamp The big end reveal isn't just a shock; it's deeply upsetting, an emotional gut-punch.— Matt Prigge That fact will eventually become evident, no doubt … . That is the art of the slow reveal.— Peter J. Boyer

reveal

noun (2)

Definition of reveal (Entry 3 of 3)

: the side of an opening (as for a window) between a frame and the outer surface of a wall also : jamb

Other Words from reveal Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reveal

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Choose the Right Synonym for reveal

Verb

reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason. divine will as revealed in sacred writings disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret. candidates must disclose their financial assets divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence. refused to divulge an anonymous source tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information. told them what he had overheard betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure. a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Examples of reveal in a Sentence

Verb She would not reveal the secret. The test revealed the true cause of death. It was revealed that they stole over $1 million. They revealed the plans for the new building. The expression on his face revealed how he felt. The curtain was lifted to reveal the grand prize. Pulling up the carpeting revealed the home's beautiful hardwood floors.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Progressive organizations that don’t reveal their donors also made five- and six-figure donations to groups backing Democratic and independent candidates. — Author: Nathaniel Herz, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaskans were left in the dark as money poured into elections last year. Now, that’s changing.," 19 Feb. 2021 Carberry said the mission could reveal tantalizing new details about Mars’ history and geology. — NBC News, "NASA's Mars rover is minutes away from a nail-biting landing attempt," 18 Feb. 2021 Online and reveal the young prince wearing a baseball cap and toting a large duffle bag while entering Markle’s building. — Eileen Reslen, Town & Country, "A Definitive History of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Relationship," 14 Feb. 2021 The ballots have been counted, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame will reveal Tuesday night which players, if any, have been elected to the Class of 2021. — Phil Miller, Star Tribune, "Ex-Twins Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer and LaTroy Hawkins get first chance on Hall of Fame ballots," 25 Jan. 2021 Through binoculars, stargazers will be able to spot Jupiter’s four largest moons, while a small telescope will reveal Saturn’s rings. — Andrew Fazekas, Science, "10 spectacular stargazing events to watch in 2021," 29 Dec. 2020 Binoculars should be enough to show a separation between the two, while a telescope will reveal Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s belts and both planets’ moons, all in the same view. — oregonlive, "How to watch Jupiter and Saturn’s historic great conjunction of 2020," 16 Dec. 2020 While the charges do not reveal exactly what the agencies were examining, city officials said the scope of the investigation involved demolition contracts. — John Caniglia, cleveland, "Former mayor of East Cleveland, Gary Norton, accused of federal obstruction charge involving bribery investigation," 15 Dec. 2020 But contact tracers are struggling because the virus moves faster than test results, and many people won’t reveal their contacts. — Washington Post, "D.C. publishes reams of coronavirus data. Some say it brings more questions than answers.," 12 Dec. 2020

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

History and Etymology for reveal

Verb

Middle English revelen, from Anglo-French reveler, from Latin revelare to uncover, reveal, from re- + velare to cover, veil, from velum veil

Noun (2)

alteration of earlier revale, probably ultimately from Middle French ravaler to reduce the depth of (masonry or wood), literally, to take back down, from Old French, from re- + avaler to let fall — more at vail

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