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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
The aircraft was left partially submerged with its tail section snapped off, video showed. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025 The Belmont senior midfielder’s red face showed exhaustion from yet another big matchup she was heavily utilized in. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
Donnie Wahlberg reprises his character Danny Reagan on the crime show. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 The show also starred Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers, Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • This video will not be displayed at Westchester County Airport.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Airports pick a side TSA owns and operates some of the video monitors at airports which have been added to try to expedite the screening process by displaying reminders and sometimes include DHS messages.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While pricing hasn’t been revealed, the company plans to release it later this year in partnership with Asus, Boxx, Dell, HP, and Supermicro.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In the film, Zenovich attempts to bring viewers into Chase’s inner world through interviews with his family, friends and co-stars, revealing what is beneath the surface of his bravado.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Spring is quick to acknowledge that Macy’s still has much to prove.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But those ties aren't proven, and Venezuelan drugs make up a tiny fraction of those trafficked into the United States.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Over the past two decades, the ordinances guiding the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) have been revised multiple times to strengthen its capacity to serve the public effectively.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, the expert teachers of the school were happy to guide women back to a true feminine balance.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Neuroscience also reveals how collective memory and leadership dynamics can steer a society toward increasing aggression or maintaining peace.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In the meantime, the words and actions of the administration have steered the Department of Homeland Security sharply away from its stated core values.
    Keith Wilson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The city appeared to have reached the final stage of awarding a three-year, $27 million deal to a new security company on several occasions this year.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Later experiments appeared to confirm what Prentice’s genetic data suggested.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There will be nearly 30 dealers and over 20 exhibits along with lapidary demonstrations, gem identification, kid’s zone, door prizes and grand prize raffle Trained Service Animals Only.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has moved to deploy US troops and federal law enforcement officials to major cities to target crime and counter demonstrations against his deportations of undocumented migrants even in the face of legal challenges.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The annotated text of the original Voting Rights Act is below, along with scholarship written about the act before and after its passage.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Removing a royal title would require an act of parliament, but the move could receive support from the government and the public with King Charles' backing, the outlet reports.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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