reveal

1 of 2

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

revealer

2 of 2

noun

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

Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe was meant to take the stand as a smoking gun for the prosecution but instead revealed no new information and came to Jackson’s defense. —Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

Bonner — whose son Sean, who took his own life in 2018 while in college a little more than two years after graduating from Charlotte Latin School — says distress often eventually reveals itself in some form, even if the warning signs differ dramatically from person to person. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

In a separate announcement, Universal Music Group also revealed a strategic investment in Solution One, a leading Thai music distribution and publishing business. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 June 2026

Last month, Deadline exclusively revealed that Condal had re-upped his deal with the premium network through 2029. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 June 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

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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