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 If the High Heel Index holds any weight, then the current runways may be revealing more than just trends. Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2025 Over the decades, smaller observational studies of parents and their children have also revealed differences in the frequency and style with which mothers and fathers verbally engage with their sons versus their daughters. Joshua Coleman, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 During an emotional cover story interview with PEOPLE, the two-time Grammy winner revealed that he was diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2023 and, since beginning treatment, has experienced deficits with his short-term memory, speech, and mobility. Shania Russell, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025 In September 2023, another investigation with Webb – an advanced telescope launched in 2021 outfitted with powerful infrared instruments – revealed something more: traces of carbon-bearing molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere, including methane and carbon dioxide. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • Information on the film’s production budget or prints and advertising cost has not been disclosed.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The man's cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An online database that tracks ship movements shows the Mohawk has been docked in its home port since mid-March.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Text messages sent in the hours leading up to O’Keefe’s death read aloud to the court by a Massachusetts state trooper show the couple were at a strained point in their relationship.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • First discovered: 9:05 p.m. April 21 Initial location: Humboldt County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Village A new wildfire was reported today at 9:05 p.m. in Humboldt County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In an Episode 2 hospital flashback, Abby discovers her father, who was about to remove Ellie's brain for a humanity-saving cure.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The museum’s Vietnam Gallery displays Mills’ uniform, flight helmet and medals.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The soon-to-be 23-year-old displayed impressive contact balance and routinely churned out additional yards after being hit, but his workload in college (879 carries in five years) raises questions about his long-term outlook in the NFL. 191.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Fox Nation's 'Titanic Secrets' busts the myths that have long been held at the bottom of the sea and uncovers the truth in this century-long conspiracy.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That call demonstrates, Parrish said, why fire departments and utility companies are cautious when working a gas leak.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Jack Moorhouse, a 19-year-old midfielder, has demonstrated an ability to pick up the ball and carry it up the pitch at youth level — an attribute sorely lacking among the first-team squad.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fast-forward to today, and the experts now tell us students may ...
    James V. Shuls, National Review, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Does any part of Franks actually believe Lala has it in her to betray them?
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Not that there’s anything remotely extravagant about a schlock programmer whose amateurish acting and sparse production values betray its shoestring budget.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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