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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
Cities across Texas show the greatest rates of subsidence, with Houston taking the lead. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 8 May 2025 Federal court records show that Premier Brands Group has not yet responded to the denim brand’s complaint. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
Noun
Everybody who makes this show was there on that day. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 9 May 2025 That decision does set up a show that could go on and on. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Geomagnetic storm conditions last recorded two decades ago impacted Earth in May 2024, an event that pulled the northern lights to northern Florida and Texas, with another similar northern lights display in October.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Utah’s law, which went into effect March 27 without Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s signature, banned government agencies and public schools from displaying flags on public property unless explicitly named in the bill.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • By month’s end, the right path should reveal itself.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • Belichick-Hudson interview reveals North Carolina may be headed for train wreck | Opinion Don’t let this ruin your beach trip!
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • At minimum, you will be required to show documents proving your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • There are many fields where generative AI is proving to have truly transformative potential, and some of the most interesting use cases are around mental health and wellbeing.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Inside, nine immersive galleries guide visitors through Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the grandeur of Titanic’s interiors, and the events leading up to the disaster, as well as the legacy that followed.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • In 29 seasons, Popovich guided the Spurs to five NBA championships, won a record 1,466 games in the regular season and left a legacy as one of the best leaders in NBA history, a culture builder who transformed San Antonio into a model franchise.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • After Shaver’s death in 1958, department store executives continued to steer the gala, but attendance and revenue waned.
    Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump appears to have opted for using tariffs as a stick.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • In addition to Waitress, Titcomb has appeared in national touring and regional productions of Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Frozen and Fun Home.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • The festival’s Folklife Area features demonstrations that celebrate the diverse and historical living traditions of Florida.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2025
  • Many early demonstrations of machine learning involved teaching computers to play games.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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