reveal

verb re·veal \ ri-ˈvēl \

Updated on: 10 May 2018

Definition of reveal

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

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revealable

play \ri-ˈvē-lə-bəl\ adjective

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revealer

noun

See reveal defined for English-language learners

See reveal defined for kids

Examples of reveal in a Sentence

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 of reveal from the Web

Critics have accused the agency of being too involved in the nomination, and opting for selective declassification, revealing only flattering details about her career.

— jenna mclaughlin, CNN, "National security officials preparing contingency plans if Haspel's nomination fails," 7 May 2018
Chelsea Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing U.S. government secrets.

— david mcfadden, chicagotribune.com, "Chelsea Manning: Insurgent bid for U.S. Senate is genuine," 7 May 2018
Last week the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, the patron of the Academy, stepped in to resolve the technical problems this situation had revealed.

— peter ford, The Christian Science Monitor, "After Nobel prize falls to #MeToo, what's next for literature's highest honor?," 7 May 2018
The woman was shot in the 1200 block of W. Cherry St. Police said the preliminary investigation revealed that a dispute between two groups led to the shooting.

— sarah hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Woman shot on W. Cherry St. during dispute between two groups," 6 May 2018
Volunteers will be asked to give blood and urine samples that could help reveal how environmental threats — like toxins and air pollution — activate genes that cause disease.

— gary robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "NIH begins enrolling volunteers in historic study of how and why people get sick," 5 May 2018
Media: Cheddar TV Player not a fan of the golf ball A recent study by the R&A and USGA revealed that the average driving distance increased by seven yards in the past year among golfers playing the seven most prominent professional golf tours.

— richard dean, Houston Chronicle, "Insperity Invitational notebook: Exhibition featuring legends a treat," 5 May 2018
Here's everything Meghan's closest friends have revealed about the big day.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Royal Wedding," 5 May 2018
These are the first official pictures of the new fifth in line to the throne, born on March 23 in London and revealed to the public hours later in a photo call, but not seen since.

— katie nicholl, Vanities, "Princess Charlotte Kisses Prince Louis In New Photographs by Kate Middleton," 5 May 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of reveal

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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reveal Synonyms

Phrases

bring to light, go public (with), let the cat out of the bag (about), spill the beans (about);

Synonym Discussion of reveal

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

reveal

noun

Definition of reveal

plural reveals

: 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

First Known Use of reveal

1596

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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reveal

noun

Definition of reveal

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

Origin and Etymology of reveal

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1688

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year