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

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb In our example of inconsistent performance standards, this strategic step may reveal the need to set clearer expectations, coach and build skills and offer practices to drive accountability. — Anne Jacoby, Forbes, 17 May 2022 Apple will also reveal iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, and macOS 13 at WWDC 2022. — Jacob Siegal, BGR, 16 May 2022 Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2022 However, a full breakdown of song credits does reveal a couple of notable cameos. — Christi Carrasstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2022 While that settlement has attracted widespread media attention, Georgia has settled three other prison suicide lawsuits for $750,00, $700,000 and $600,000, the records reveal. — Jennifer Peebles, ajc, 13 May 2022 The test strips would reveal if a product has been contaminated with fentanyl, 2 milligrams of which can be lethal, depending on a person’s size. — Maggie O'neill, SELF, 13 May 2022 The shape of the bullet could reveal the type of gun used, and the condition of the bullet might indicate the direction and distance it was fired from. — Brigid Kennedy, The Week, 12 May 2022 Cunningham and Miller's attorney reveal why Jason may not have hacked his way out of court just yet. — Jason Kravarik, CNN, 12 May 2022 See More

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