demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt 

demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1

: to show clearly

demonstrate a willingness to cooperate

must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class

The police demonstrated calm restraint during the riot.

2

a

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

crowded classrooms that demonstrate the need for more schools in the area

b

: to illustrate and explain especially with many examples

demonstrate a procedure

3

: to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer

demonstrate a new kitchen gadget

intransitive verb

: to make a demonstration

Allow me to demonstrate.

crowds demonstrating for the right to vote

Synonyms of demonstrate

• prove
• establish
• show

Choose the Right Synonym for demonstrate

show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent.

show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Examples of demonstrate in a Sentence

Each student must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class.

Employees must demonstrate competence in certain skills before they can work independently.

The medication will not be marketed until it is demonstrated to be safe.

The latest test results clearly demonstrate that the vaccine works.

The group's failed efforts demonstrate how difficult it is to convince people to change their habits.

They have demonstrated a willingness to negotiate.

Several people will be demonstrating traditional farming techniques.

The instructor demonstrated the correct procedure for pruning a tree.

Would you mind demonstrating how the machine works?

Recent Examples on the Web

An experienced professional can keep the same title for years while AI gradually assumes the very tasks that once demonstrated expertise, so the position survives even as the activities that once made the work feel meaningful begin to disappear. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Iran routinely puts up billboards across the city, purporting to demonstrate its might amid the war with Israel and the US. — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

That vote was based on its superior efficacy to existing seasonal flu shots and a good safety record demonstrated in trials that included nearly 44,000 people. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Lincoln-Way West coach Luke Lokanc demonstrated trust in Howard, despite nonexistent varsity experience at quarterback, by naming him as a captain along with senior linebacker Austin Collins. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātus, past participle of dēmonstrāre "to draw attention to, indicate, describe, show," from dē- de- + monstrāre "to point out, show" — more at muster entry 2

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 21a

Phrases Containing demonstrate

• counter-demonstrate

Rhymes for demonstrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt 

demonstrated; demonstrating

1

: to show clearly

2

a

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

b

: to illustrate and explain especially with examples

3

: to show publicly the good qualities of a product

demonstrate a new car

4

: to make a public display (as of feeling or military force)

citizens demonstrated in protest

Medical Definition

demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt 

demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1

: to show clearly

demonstrated the artery arteriographically

2

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

intransitive verb

: to make a demonstration