reveal

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 Instead of enforcing copyright on counterfeit commercials, Deadline’s investigation revealed that a handful of Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony, claimed ad revenue on Screen Culture trailers. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 May 2025 The team's analysis revealed an unusual zone deep underground at about 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 kilometers) where seismic waves slowed down. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 12 May 2025 Even beyond the legal angle, this chaotic tariff regime reveals something more troubling: a total absence of strategic thinking. Aron Solomon, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 The Lobby Boyz member revealed that he was not charged in the shooting, despite it not being deemed self-defense. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • And that’s indeed already happening, probably in insidious ways that aren’t publicly disclosed.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 14 May 2025
  • His financial package was not disclosed, but the reduction is largely a symbolic move compared with the $2.5 billion dollars in federal funding that has been paused by President Trump.
    Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Someone whose results show elevated levels may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • Phillip’s photo is not one of those shown as evidence.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Aicha discovers that Ruby had been there with a man driving a Porsche Taycan Turbo.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
  • After following up with participants, researchers discovered that 1,407 received a heart failure diagnosis.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Good objects to display include small paintings, pottery, baskets, seashells, or a framed postcard.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
  • Like Leads and Contacts, Insightly displays Opportunities in a table by default.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Archaeologists in Poland recently uncovered a centuries-old ring with enigmatic engravings.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • The ability to uncover hidden efficiencies and innovative approaches positions RL as a powerful tool for driving breakthroughs across industries.
    Cam Linke, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • If everything old really is new again, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Lehigh Valley, Fairfax Industrial District and Hazelwood Green are some of the best examples, demonstrating what’s possible when fresh innovation takes root within legacy manufacturing sites.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The ability for adversaries to store histories of events that never actually occurred directly into an LLM’s memory database was demonstrated last year.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo told reporters she was caught off guard by the news, and has asked the prosecutor's office to ask the U.S. Department of Justice for more information.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Norman was allegedly dragged about a half-mile up the road before he was eventually ejected from the vehicle, the police told the outlets.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Dorothy Tucker, who initially stood by Doyle, says she feels betrayed by him.
    Chris Young Ritzen, CBS News, 10 May 2025
  • Loading your audio article OAKLAND — A local resident was betrayed by his own ankle monitor, leading to his recent arrest and a new gun case, court records show.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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