Definition of revealnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reveal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray, disclose, divulge, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

When is betray a more appropriate choice than reveal?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When can disclose be used instead of reveal?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When could divulge be used to replace reveal?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can tell take the place of reveal?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 reveal Earlier this month, Derek Lam 10 Crosby revealed a collaboration with sister brand 525 America for a limited-edition collaboration. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Morris reveals her go-to, and very relatable, fashion advice as someone who stands just over five feet tall. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026 Mizrahi has not only the chutzpah to reveal the rainbow that is his personality but the panache to revel in its many splendid colors—not all of which are flattering. — Charles Gandee, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026 Towards the end of the masterclass, Watts took a moment to talk about her menopause activism, revealing how her four-year-old menopause and wellness company, Stripes Beauty, came to be. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • Cseh, the archive's director, said successor governments to dictatorships rarely disclose the names of previous agents and informants, let alone records as detailed as those Hungary is preparing to release.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Baldwin alleged that decision was just one part of a pattern of disturbing prosecutorial abuses, including presenting false information to the grand jury, failing to disclose two firearms reports, and filing an unlawful gun enhancement.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Footage shared online shows Reeves losing himself to the song from a private box.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Middle Eastern crude exports rebounded this month to around their highest level since the war began in February, Kpler data showed.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The discovery is the latest instance of CDE leadership telling employees bedbugs are not in the building, only for more to be discovered at a later date and igniting doubt among CDE’s workforce on whether treatment is effective.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The problem Zhou discovered when MadaData collapsed has not gone away.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The real treasures, though, are displayed inside the museum-style glass concierge desk, where artifacts from the original hotel are on loan from the Naples Historical Society.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Schmitt and Klobuchar butt heads Staffers for Schmitt briefly displayed a poster of the text message exchange, but quickly took it down before Smith could read it.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There’s a place for topical solutions and other hair loss treatments (including minoxidil), but blood tests are the first step to uncovering the underlying cause of shedding.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Judges and prosecutors who had uncovered and investigated the corruption emerged from that period with extraordinary political authority, presenting themselves as a check on a political class that had failed the Brazilian people.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In Lepecki’s account, the gesture again demonstrated that stillness in dance always vibrates with subtle motion.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Under the system, students can submit portfolios and projects to demonstrate academic readiness.
    — Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • After the election, legislating is an obvious place to go, given the public and many lawmakers in both parties want to see something done, the tech industry source told Semafor.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But the production here betrays its economy, and the direction, by Garth Davis and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, remains earthbound, held down by mournful strings and devoid of color.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Oh, also, the future of the team hangs in the balance because a member of Rebecca’s inner circle has been working to betray her from inside the stadium.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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