reveal

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 The grainy technique is particularly visible in Il grand letto azzurro (1965), featured in the Lévy Gorvy Dayan show, where close inspection of the teal bedspread reveals a tan floral pattern made up of non-pigmented sand. Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026 In a 2025 sitdown with the New York Times, Mueller’s family revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021 and was experiencing issues with speaking and mobility. Jack Dunn, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026 These everyday runs revealed the TX’s true personality. Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026 This year’s ticket prices haven’t yet been revealed. Eve Chen, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
    Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The civil case was due to go to trial in London later this year but has been frozen due to the settlement, which did not disclose a figure or reveal further details.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The National Weather Service forecast for a point near Loveland Pass — at an elevation of 11,020 feet — shows overnight lows are not expected to drop below freezing until Sunday night.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Security footage widely shared online shows a man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, apparently recording or taking photos.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The spot where Gary Herbst's remains were discovered in Wisconsin in 2017 – four years after his murder.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Nine of the 14 dead were discovered in what is believed to have been a gym on the third floor, while three were found near a water tank on the second floor.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Manus logo is displayed on a smartphone screen, with the Meta logo visible in the background.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Considered a national hero for Finns, his trophies are displayed in a glass cabinet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The find joins a group of 69 lead sling bullets uncovered at Hippos in 26 years.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Following his arrest, local reports uncovered Bradford’s lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests on assault and larceny charges.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the ability of bots to influence the discourse on Reddit has already been demonstrated.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The killing in the woods of Knoxville demonstrated a brutality and callousness rarely seen in a woman, let alone one so young.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Since childhood, letter writer was told to show up for older siblings who never reciprocated.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026
  • One of Ghazali's neighbors told The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the assailant's brother was killed in an airstrike.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Banks hid in a predictable spot less than five miles from the South Loop jail and was betrayed by someone who had spoken with the fugitive and was able to give authorities his exact location, a law enforcement source said.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • After Sugar betrays her, Barbara cuts her friend off for decades, despite missing her deeply.
    Isle McElroy, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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