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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
However, the High Priestess shows February being full of rest and healing, urging you to slow down and listen to your intuition… because your sixth sense is strong for a reason. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025 That same month, public records show East Carolina University entered an 18-month, $50,450 contract with Deloitte for consulting services related to its athletic department. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
The creators referenced the video game his show is based on, as well as real-world places that saw mass destruction, like the area around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 The show, featuring dealers from eight states, is presented by the Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • They were punished with another partial stadium closure in April after displaying banners insulting ex-PSG player Rabiot during a game against Marseille.
    Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • The 2023 Chianti Classico displayed beautiful freshness and elegance, offering pure fruit and immediate charm. Querciabella (Greve, Radda, Gaiole) – With organic and biodynamic vineyards across multiple UGAs, Querciabella champions purity and transparency in every bottle.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Without treatment, the disease eventually kills the corals, and their soft tissue falls off, revealing the white calcium carbonate skeleton below.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • The government of the UK revealed its commitment to the social cause by developing a framework that includes exploring ways to increase school funding across the board, improving mental support for students, and hiring more teachers in classrooms.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Prior to the settlement, the city had argued in legal filings that the four plaintiffs could not prove what caused their injuries, or that they were caused by police.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • Trump’s advisers remain animated by the unyielding belief that the economic experts were proven wrong in Trump’s first term.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Edwards has guided the Timberwolves to two consecutive Western Conference Finals berths for the first time in franchise history.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • The knowledgeable staff guides guests through Croatia’s unique wine regions, from full-bodied reds of the Pelješac Peninsula to crisp whites from Istria.
    Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • The program has drawn scrutiny for years, seen by critics as ways for supervisors to solicit political support by steering millions in public money to recipients of their choosing with no public debate.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
  • After seizing power in 2007, Hamas clamped down on Gaza’s gangs — sometimes with brute force and sometimes by steering perks their way.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The sculpture appears in the form of a glass cube, which glows with light that changes color based on live temperature data taken from the Hoh Rain Forest in near Seattle, Washington State.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Windhorst appeared on the ESPN show 'NBA Today to discuss the situation.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Anti-Musk sentiment spilled onto sidewalks outside of Tesla showrooms with 60 demonstrations scheduled Saturday in cities such as Delray Beach, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; and Decatur, Georgia, as part of the Tesla Takedown movement, which began in mid-February amid Musk’s role with DOGE.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Dozens of demonstrations are planned in California for No Kings Day June 14.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • When the Parks and Recreation alum was shot and killed at just 59 years old during a dispute with his neighbor on Sunday, June 1, his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed the act of violence was a hate crime.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • The act of finding and identifying the missing was thus seen as essential for rebuilding a nation, whose identity is shaped by those who disappeared.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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