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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
Close relatives of the federal official who has accused a Federal Reserve governor of improperly claiming primary residence on two properties have declared the same status on two homes in two different states, public records show. Marisa Taylor, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Martin Agran, a University of Wyoming professor who focuses on special education, said the research shows that there’s an overuse of restraint and seclusion. IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
Friday Night Lights A show about football in Texas—what could be more autumnal? Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Peacock has been the home of the show since season 4. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Advertisement What weapons did China display at the parade?
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The parade displayed large numbers of Chinese troops and military equipment, ranging from tanks and drones to long-range and nuclear ballistic missiles.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But a butt dial revealed the truth about what actually happened, the complaint alleges.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside this, large-scale genetic studies have revealed sweeping changes in the human brain that are not seen in other mammals.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There was no such good fortune this time in the Pacific Northwest as Washington proved to be too big, too fast and too good, coming in as a 35-point favorite and then unleashing a record performance.
    Joe Davidosn, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, the Bundys and five others were acquitted of all charges after jurors said prosecutors failed to prove their intent.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Local outfitters like Mild to Wild Rafting, Mountain Waters Rafting, and Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours guide family-friendly rafting excursions down Class II and Class III whitewater.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And Blanc tries to solve what happened by seeing the big picture, tuning into the spirits that are guiding things, and attuning the audience to them.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This will mark the first time LL Cool J, 57, is steering the ship solo.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • That’s before, in recent years, the Canadian government steered dedicated funding to support First Nations creative talent.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Diets rich in vitamin D and iron appeared to help combat alopecia and hair loss.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Jalen Carter was ejected from the Eagles’ season opener after appearing to spit at Dak Prescott.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The demonstration took place at the Cenex Expo 2025 and marks a step forward in building a circular economy for EV batteries.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • These witnesses pointed to China’s recent progress, including a crew vehicle abort-system test in June, a Long March 10 rocket static fire in August, and a moon lander demonstration, as evidence of a systematic push toward the lunar surface.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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