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 China has already demonstrated impressive capabilities in the lunar sphere. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026 But the technology still has to demonstrate the performance, cost and manufacturing scale needed for widespread deployment. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026 Baltimore has already demonstrated downtown that targeted restrictions on panhandling and solicitation can be combined with services and outreach. — Lawrence Bell, Baltimore Sun, 15 Sep. 2026 Her trajectory over the past few years has already demonstrated the reach of that approach. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate

Verb

Jury nullification occurs when a jury finds a defendant not guilty, even if the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

— Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
The company says the coating has already been proven and is in use on its advanced coating line in Germany.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of prove

Verb

One month before the Pentagon announced its first equity stake in a company, its top lawyer asked the White House to explain why the deal wouldn’t break the law.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Kane also introduced some new styles, like the asymmetrical axe bag in white leather, and the chop, a smaller, curved shoulder bag style, both centered on the idea of cutting away at a Mulberry tree to promote new growth, Kane explained backstage.

— Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Created by Violet Matter and illustrated by sh00, Roususu and Drawniels, The Mafia Nanny webcomic has amassed 420 million global views.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
The project also illustrates the engineering demands that accompany the transition to a new bomber fleet.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

Post-reaction analysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, or SEM/EDX, also showed morphological and compositional changes in the catalyst samples.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
In a new paper published in Royal Society Open Science, mathematician Alain Goriely shows that even though the stylobate really is curved, the illusion doesn’t hold up.

— Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of show

Verb

Haddad clarifies that vinyl itself doesn’t rust, which means that any visible rust on the siding is coming from something else.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026
With declining enrollment, high administrative costs, significant facility repairs on the horizon and state and federal funding support up in the air, administrators clarified that drastic cuts remain the only solution.

— Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of clarify

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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 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of demonstrate

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