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 The findings of the report demonstrate the shifts made by the brands that are capturing value from circularity rather than just complying. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 According to Tunnel to Towers, the flag is presented to people and institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to the foundation’s mission. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The team has already drawn more than 120 m (394 ft) of the unusual fiber from a single experimental preform, demonstrating its manufacturability. — Pawel Maniewski, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 In its war against Ukraine, Russia has also demonstrated a high tolerance for military casualties. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate

Verb

Getting Brown proved to be the move that unlocked Philadelphia’s ability to recruit James.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The height variations alone generated strong ESM signals, proving that false data could appear out of thin air.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of prove

Verb

Players have revealed their concerns about harassment and death threats reaching a traumatizing level.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Astrophotographer Kevin Boardman captured this spectacular view of the Crescent Nebula, revealing intricate filaments of gas surrounding a massive star nearing the end of its life some 4,700 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of reveal

Verb

Which may explain the conversion of 80 Horatio, a pre-law five-story brick tenement building in a prime pocket of the neighborhood, into a single-family house.

— Kim Velsey, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026
Hurts, later explaining his reaction, said that earlier in the practice period, Moore had stopped in the middle of the route, which resulted in an interception.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

The application illustrates how intelligent multi-agent systems may support operational efficiency while addressing regulatory and compliance requirements.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
The graphic below illustrates that Circati is not a centre-back who sticks a foot in too often, preferring to sit off and protect the space.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

The data set shows the Hong Kong chief executive is the second-highest earner globally with $719,000 annually, followed by the Swiss president at $606,000.

— Reuters, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
As polls show the public increasingly favoring guardrails for AI safety — and opposing data center buildouts — the White House is likely to face still more calls for an explanation of why a more transparent framework is not possible.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of show

Verb

At home, the Tigers have a setup in their cage, displaying moves from starters and relievers on a screen, allowing players to practice reads and jumps.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The term seems to imply a mastery of all the resources of a form, displayed in a surprising context without self-conscious artfulness.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of display

Verb

School president Wade Rousse issued a measured statement Friday morning and voted to clarify and enforce the SEC rule against signing former pro players.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Before the conversation becomes a contest of wills, clarify what each person wants and which decision needs to be made now.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of clarify

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demonstrate

demonstrated

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“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demonstrate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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