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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
Another snap shows them fast asleep in bed, and the final image captures a young boy lying in front of the altar, surrounded by floral arrangements. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025 Overall, the study shows how age and age-related disease can become decoupled. Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
Hardcore fans from all over the planet will be descending on Spain for the opening shows, and many will likely follow them as the tour continues throughout Italy, England, Denmark, and Germany. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025 That rallying cry came in 1981, from the crusading pastors Donald Wildmon and Jerry Falwell and the conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, who called for advertisers to boycott some 50 shows aired by the three broadcast networks. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Ekitike has displayed that in his general play but also his goal celebrations — like the talking hand gesture in the Community Shield, when speculation over Isak’s arrival was still feverish, or his bow in the Merseyside derby — and dancing to his song post-match.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • An electronic board displays a share price of the Nikkei index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo on March 4, 2024.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Originating at the Stanford House, a historic farmhouse built in 1843, the hike reveals fantastic views of the 65-foot Brandywine Falls with lots of tall oak, hickory, and beech trees along the way.
    Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed in her new memoir that 107 days was not enough time to win a presidential election, while offering a behind-the-scenes look into intimate moments and decisions during her historic presidential campaign.
    Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Master classes with Mann and Kogonada drew capacity crowds, while the Actors’ House program featuring Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, and Ninomiya Kazunari proved particularly popular.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Could prove revolutionary for photonics This new material could be very useful in things like photonics, where computing and devices that use light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) are used.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Young guided the offense on a touchdown-scoring drive to begin the matchup, but his effectiveness waned as the Patriots piled on points.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The seven-time Grammy winner has long been embraced by fans for pushing boundaries and using her voice to advocate for human rights — something the star says has been a guiding light for her.
    Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Martinez agreed that publicity moments on the carpet remain crucial but noted that some stars avoid them to steer clear of political questions.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
  • That could help steer the storm, potentially Imelda, away from landfall in the Southeast.
    Alex Harris Updated September 26, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The case, which initially appeared to be the tragic end to a stalking situation, revealed how Daniel thoroughly created a false narrative using burner phones and carefully planned digital deception, all while playing the role of a concerned husband.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Johnson appeared at the Zurich Film Festival, where she was set to receive the Golden Eye Award.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The free, family-friendly event includes a chance to meet local firefighters, watch live demonstrations, tour the station and get fire safety tips.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
  • In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, the team also used the router to direct entangled pairs of photons, successfully maintaining their quantum link with an interference visibility of about 97%.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ahn Young-joon / AP Tattoo artists welcomed the act’s passage after spending years fighting to end the ban.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In 1972, a young student is profoundly changed by the simple act of observing and connecting with a geranium.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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