Definition of shownext
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as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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show

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noun

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as in display
an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect the children made a show of disgust when confronted with asparagus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word show different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of show are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and parade. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

When is it sensible to use display instead of show?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for show?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When might expose be a better fit than show?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When can flaunt be used instead of show?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Where would parade be a reasonable alternative to show?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of show
Verb
Burke’s phone was the last device connected to the Tesla before it was abandoned, the detective said, and surveillance footage showed him near the vehicle. Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026 But such agreements show that Udio could have licensed Sony’s tracks instead of allegedly ripping them from YouTube, the label claimed. Corbin Bolies, Variety, 22 July 2026
Noun
Guitarricadelafuente was introduced by Colman Domingo, who was guest-hosting the show that evening. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026 Dobrev departed after the show’s sixth season in 2015, but returned for the finale. Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Various jerseys from throughout his athletic career were displayed in frames on either side of the casket, including his football jerseys from Ocean Springs High School and Mississippi Community College in Summit, Miss.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • In her first-round loss, Williams displayed powerful serves while her daughters Olympia and Adira Ohanian looked on.
    Lynda Lin Grigsby, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Bone must be separated from surrounding rock millimeter by millimeter with a pneumatic chisel, whose needle gently breaks away rock while ultraviolet light reveals where the bone ends and the surrounding rock begins.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Smart did reveal some interesting nuggets about his team this fall in his various interviews during SEC media days.
    Connor Riley, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • That may prove reasonable if store openings remain productive, franchisees continue earning strong returns, and same-store sales hold up.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • But their journey to catch up with the Rivermen proves increasingly difficult, after one of their horses gets caught in a trap.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • For competition favorites, Nike and Adidas, return on investment will be scrutinized in micro-detail, guiding their approaches to future marketing in both sportswear and broader lifestyle categories.
    Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • While spun as voluntary resignations, these sorts of shuffles typically indicate top brass — in this case, Netflix content chief Bela Bajaria — is looking to shake up its slates or thinks that fresh eyes are needed to guide programming.
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • The source also said the ESPN cuts are nowhere near the scale of the 2023 layoffs, which saw a number of recognizable on-air names depart amid a cost-savings effort steered by former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 July 2026
  • Torre, meanwhile, would serve as dungeon master, steering the gang through exhibit after exhibit.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Iran claims to have targeted US facilities and partners across the Middle East on Friday, unleashing what appear to be its largest reprisals since a fragile ceasefire shattered almost a week ago.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Bosworth appears as Kathleen Sloane, a corporate defense attorney whose morals are called into question when her clients ask for the unthinkable.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • In an attempt to prevent the demonstration from entering Gaza,the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared the area a closed military zone, forcing organizers to alter the route.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Most of these robots, and others from top Chinese manufacturers like Agibot, UBtech, and Unitree are already working in factories, generally in demonstration projects, but not always.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Today, anti-Muslim acts are still being committed against Muslims.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • The character’s remorse and disgrace become a pivotal part of the movie’s third act, which ends almost entirely differently than Homer’s nearly 3,000-year-old tome.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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