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

In the next week or so, five adventurers will attempt to paddle a primitive hand-hewn canoe across 200 kilometers of ocean in hopes of revealing how humans originally populated East China Sea islands. — Dennis Normile, Science | AAAS, "Explorers to voyage to Japan in primitive boat in hopes of unlocking an ancient mystery," 2 July 2019 There’s Charleen Badman’s preternatural ability to coax vegetables into revealing their truest nature; her talent for sizzling premium proteins on the grill; and Pavle Milic’s zeal for Arizona wines and spirits. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "The best restaurants in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley," 1 July 2019 But opinions differ about what this sonic analogue of a black hole reveals about the real kind — such as the one recently seen in silhouette in a first-ever photograph. — Quanta Magazine, "Philosophers Debate New ‘Sonic Black Hole’ Discovery," 30 June 2019 Maybe after the wedding festivities end, Turner and Jonas should have a conversation with all their friends about revealing private information about their relationship to the public. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner marries Joe Jonas (again) in Paris," 29 June 2019 In letters revealed by CNN earlier this year, Biden wrote to Eastland expressing his thanks for Eastland’s support and displaying a fervent opposition to the idea of busing. — Mahita Gajanan, Time, "Kamala Harris Hit Joe Biden on His Civil Rights Record. Here's What to Know About Biden's History With Busing," 28 June 2019 Another, Terry Albury, the only African-American F.B.I. field agent in Minnesota, was charged with revealing information about the F.B.I.’s surveillance and infiltration of the Somali-American community. — Jameel Jaffer, The New Yorker, "The Espionage Act and a Growing Threat to Press Freedom," 26 June 2019 Meehan accused Pattis of revealing parts of the sealed custody report. — Nicholas Rondinone, courant.com, "As search for New Canaan mother of five Jennifer Farber Dulos ends at Hartford trash plant, her contentious divorce and custody battle with estranged husband escalates," 25 June 2019 But experts who work with victims say that that question reveals a lack of education. — USA Today, "Alaska is considered the deadliest state for women. A staggering 59% of women there have experienced violence.," 25 June 2019

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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