DEMONSTRATE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

demonstrate

verb

ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt

Definition of demonstrate

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to establish

to show the existence or truth of by evidence the paleontologist hopes to demonstrate that dinosaurs once existed in central Peru by unearthing the fossil evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the babysitter's actions during the emergency demonstrate beyond doubt her general dependability

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable a few striking facts should demonstrate the complex nature of our topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples the visiting physicist demonstrated very graphically several basic scientific principles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 These decisions demonstrated a degree of pragmatism beneath the movement’s inflammatory rhetoric. — Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 The resulting enzymes could be tuned to cut specific proteins in half, and the researchers demonstrated their effectiveness by using them to cut proteins associated with neurological diseases. — ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 These releases are designed to build visibility, demonstrate audience interest and strengthen opportunities for subsequent licensing and distribution across other platforms. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Now imagine a manager asking everyone to demonstrate their best AI shortcuts. — Christoph Trattner, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate

Verb

The same may not prove true of utility costs where many rate hikes remain pending and a tough winter could cause further spikes.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
And while some of the allegations were never proved, he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice and sentenced to four years in jail.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of prove

Verb

But a key rationale for eligibility rules is to establish bright-line, predictable rules that should promote fair play and competition, with colleges, coaches and athletes treated similarly in similar situations.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Since establishing his label in Paris in 1937, Roger Vivier became known for experimentation with form, materials and heel shapes — a vocabulary creative director Gherardo Felloni continues to mine today.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Kelly said she was impressed by Sand’s ability to not only answer complex policy questions off the cuff but also to explain the context of the issue for others in the audience who might not have been as familiar.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Faulk explained the section from the Old Applehill Road to Douglas Street is considered a limited access highway because the state does not want businesses creating their own access points.

— Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Its flight heritage illustrates the importance of dependable computing hardware in missions where repairs are difficult or impossible.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
The incident illustrates the failures of trust and safety provisions that are supposed to protect against this kind of confusion.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

But a few months later, at her 18-month appointment, the standard graph that plotted a child’s weight against their age showed her weight slipping off the curve.

— Raj Panjabi, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of show

Verb

The absence of a living monarch on our money, or on our travel documents, was not an accident haphazardly arrived at but a declaration of equality meant to be flourished and displayed.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Previously considered an undesirable byproduct, these structures have displayed unusual optical properties, including the ability to polarize, refract, and conduct light in distinctive ways.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of display

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demonstrable

demonstrate

demonstrated

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“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demonstrate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of demonstrate

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