Definition of demonstratenext
1
as in to prove
to gain full recognition or acceptance of you must demonstrate your scientific thesis before a jury of your professional peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word demonstrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence, evince, manifest, and show. While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

When would evidence be a good substitute for demonstrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate, evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

When might evince be a better fit than demonstrate?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

When could manifest be used to replace demonstrate?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

When can show be used instead of demonstrate?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

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 demonstrate Cook demonstrated that Apple can grow. Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026 The wear, the researchers demonstrate in their study, was more severe than what is typically seen in modern cephalopods that feed on hard prey. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026 The births demonstrated the depth of the scientific collaboration between Zoo Atlanta and the Chengdu Research Base. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 Martilla said the length of the order was warranted because the ex-wife had demonstrated a history of abuse. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate
Verb
  • The idea that transparency offers a route to closure is already proving illusory.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Ultimately, neither proved disqualifying for the mild-mannered tackle.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Finally, in overcoming this vexing moment, the two would establish a painterly repartee that altered the trajectory of their own work and, by extension, modern art.
    Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Through this exhibition program, which shed a light on a generation of LA artists, The Box quickly established itself as a venturesome gallery and one of the most important in the city.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • New research reveals a potential link between GLP-1 drugs and improvements in myriad health conditions, including sleep apnea, joint pain, liver disease, heart disease, asthma, and even addiction.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The strike reveals how Russia’s invasion has made once-unthinkable nuclear security threats a reality.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Mike Jones of The Athletic explains why the lack of top-tier quarterback prospects beyond Fernando Mendoza limits the intrigue typically expected of NFL drafts.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
  • One final metric that explains the nature of Bromley’s style is their passing sequences.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Chinook conversion illustrated that the traditional concept could be successfully applied to a modern vessel with current technology.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
  • López's struggle illustrates new barriers facing aspiring drivers under the rule change, particularly in heavily Hispanic cities such as Miami and Orlando.
    David Ovalle, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What was His message in turning over the tables, besides showing His rudeness?
    John Kenney, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The data showed that genetic markers for red hair are among 479 gene variants that have been strongly favored over the past 10,000 years.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On Marathon Monday, the company stationed the robot at its 888 Boylston Street showroom in Boston, displaying it in front of thousands of runners from roughly 130 countries, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But the Kohler Foundation, recognizing his creations as powerful visuals of African American history and especially the experiences of Black veterans, purchased hundreds of pieces – documenting, displaying and distributing them to be appreciated across the country and beyond.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This story has been updated to clarify that while the Pittsburgh Steelers won three Super Bowls in the 1970s, Steelers teams of the 1970s were actually victorious in four Super Bowls.
    Ayana Archie, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Bears would not clarify publicly what those changes might be.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demonstrate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on demonstrate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster