reveal

verb

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

The report also reveals Mr. Cohen’s advocacy for another pharmaceutical company, one the report says has ties to an investment firm associated with Viktor Vekselberg, a wealthy Russian businessman now under U.S. sanctions. — Michael Rothfeld, WSJ, "Novartis Played Down Ties to Trump Lawyer Michael Cohen, Report Says," 13 July 2018 Interactive map: Tracking I-4 contstruction damage claims What claims revealSGL refused access to claims for months. — Kevin Spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "I-4 construction nightmares: Drivers seeking payment for car damage face daunting odds," 13 July 2018 In addition to revealing new correspondence between Jimenez and Cohen, the report also names other Novartis individuals who were involved in the arrangement. — Ed Silverman, STAT, "Novartis, Michael Cohen contacts were more extensive than previously disclosed," 13 July 2018 Something actually revealing and relatively profound. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "Elvis Presley as metaphor for America in 'The King'," 12 July 2018 Bandlow says the company isn't interested in revealing John Doe names or making money from the lawsuits, just in reducing copyright infringement. — Adiel Kaplan, miamiherald, "The Steven Spielberg of porn sues to make Floridians stop pirating his raunchy videos," 12 July 2018 The dental record can also reveal important markers of health to anthropologists. — Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, "How Ancient Teeth Reveal The Roots of Humankind," 2 July 2018 Also on this week’s podcast, Richard Lawson, Katey Rich, Joanna Robinson, and Sonia Saraiya reveal their hopes for the Emmy nominations, which will be announced on July 12. — Vanity Fair, HWD, "What Bill Hader Doesn’t Miss About Saturday Night Live," 29 June 2018 Charging documents made public Friday also revealed how Ramos hid under a desk after shooting through a glass door and opening fire inside the newsroom. — NBC News, "Capital Gazette shooting: Gunman barricaded back door in 'coordinated attack,' prosecutor says," 29 June 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.

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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