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 home team also will reveal the greatest moment or play in its history that day. — Barry Wilner, The Seattle Times, "Honoring rivalries: Packers-Bears to open 2019 NFL schedule," 26 Mar. 2019 The infamous character previously revealed to Danny Reagan that his gang is responsible for Linda Reagan's death. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "'Blue Bloods' Hints It's Bringing Back the Person Who's Behind Linda Reagan's Death," 8 Mar. 2019 The credits scene shows Manta and Shin making a pact: Shin will help Manta find out Aquaman’s true identity and repair Manta’s laser beam-firing helmet and Manta will reveal the secret of Atlantis to him. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "Aquaman’s post-credits scene, explained," 21 Dec. 2018 Further Reading Feds: AriseBank duped investors out of over $4M in cryptocurrency scam On Thursday, the SEC revealed—to no one's surprise—that Centra had paid Mayweather $100,000 to promote Centra on social media. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Floyd Mayweather fined $600,000 for undisclosed cryptocurrency plugs," 29 Nov. 2018 Well, a quick IMDb search reveals Cali and Noelle Sheldon, real-life twins, also played Ross and Rachel's baby, Emma, on Friends way back in the day. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Whoa: The Creepy Twins From Us Played Ross and Rachel's Baby on Friends," 26 Mar. 2019 Excited to reveal our Flower Flashes in collaboration with @tiffanyandco this month. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "How One Celebrity Florist Brings Flowers into the Home for Spring," 19 Mar. 2019 On March 8, the company said a long-term clinical trial revealed no difference in the preterm birth rates of 1,700 pregnant women who took either their treatment, named Makena, or a placebo. — Sumathi Reddy, WSJ, "New Doubt on Treatment to Prevent Preterm Birth," 18 Mar. 2019 The actress has been known to adopt a local sensibility while sauntering the streets of the City of Light, previously stepping out with a bombshell leg reveal in an insouciant slip dress last summer. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Jennifer Lawrence Gets a French Girl Makeover for Paris Fashion Week," 26 Feb. 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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