reveal

1 of 4

verb

re·​veal ri-ˈvēl 

revealed; revealing; reveals

transitive verb

1

: to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known

reveal a secret

2

: to open up to view : display

the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room

3

: to make known through divine inspiration

revealable

ri-ˈvē-lə-bəl 

adjective

revealer noun

reveal

2 of 4

noun (1)

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

Allen County will reveal its new flag April 1. … the reveal was delayed because the committee was inundated with requests …

—Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, IN)

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

3 of 4

noun (2)

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

also : jamb

revealer

4 of 4

noun (3)

re·​veal·​er

-ˈvēlə(r)

plural -s

: one that reveals

Synonyms of reveal

Verb

• disclose
• discover
• uncover
• tell
• expose

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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

Small businesses are struggling to hire, with 62% trying to fill positions but 84% unable to find qualified applicants, revealing a significant skills gap. — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026

In March, production on season five was halted after it was revealed that fellow cast member Taylor Frankie Paul was involved in a domestic assault investigation. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2026

But in this case, Kamdang said, Patriot Front members faced no criminal charges and their identities were only revealed when online activists later infiltrated the group and leaked internal records. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 11 July 2026

An art film about the great midfielder Zinedine Zidane reveals the heroism and pathos of being human. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1952, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1786, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reveal

• gender reveal
• gender reveal party

Rhymes for reveal

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel

Kids Definition

reveal

verb

re·​veal

ri-ˈvē(ə)l

1

: to make known : divulge

2

: to show plainly : display

revealer noun