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 After a few minutes of ritual, a group of three men shed their long black robes to reveal flowing gowns and began their sema, or ceremony, a ritual that has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026 After all, Samsung looks likely to announce its next phones in July, it’s been reported, almost two months before Apple reveals exactly how much prices will be for the next generation phones — even if the 17 series phones go up before then. David Phelan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 Jimmy’s brilliance revealed itself in a number of ways. Warren Littlefield, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 Police quickly scoured nearby surveillance footage to get to the bottom of what happened — one camera did reveal what occurred. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • Charles reveals tax bill By law, the British king is not obliged to pay income, capital gains or inheritance tax, but Charles, like his mother did after 1993, has voluntarily done so without disclosing the amounts.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • The police chief did not disclose a possible motive.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Delta flight attendant graduation ceremonies often take place at the Delta Flight Museum near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, shown here on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
    Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
  • His view comes despite some opinion polls showing the Republican Party has a higher disapproval rating.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The largest Roman bathhouse complex ever discovered in the Netherlands has surfaced, shedding new light on the wealth and importance of the ancient Roman city of Ulpia Noviomagus.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
  • As subsidies fade and utilization costs become more visible, companies are beginning to discover that inference isn’t free.
    Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The purpose of the rule is to prevent players from displaying any political or social messaging, but freedom of religion falls under the first amendment, which was Hawley’s argument, and others, all along.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
  • When not displaying geyser-like activity, the pool was actively boiling.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Archaeologists also uncovered extensive drainage systems, flooring, and a hypocaust—a sophisticated Roman underfloor heating system supported by brick pillars.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
  • Carro also ruled that key evidence, including a gun and a red notebook, uncovered during a subsequent search of the backpack, could be used at trial.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine’s ability to strike military production facilities, fuel depots, ammunition storage sites and critical infrastructure hundreds of miles from the front lines has demonstrated a remarkable evolution in its strategic capabilities.
    Hunter LaCroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
  • To earn belief, leaders must protect early adopters, welcome critical feedback, and demonstrate value through real-world examples.
    Julie Averill, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Multiple officers got out of their vehicles, repeatedly telling the driver and a passenger to get out of the car, police said.
    Jenna DeAngelis, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • Collett reveals that he was told back in Season 1 that his run on the show would last only two seasons.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Rhaenyra will not only have to contend with the death of yet another child, but also that same child’s decision to betray her and lock her away in a room.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • Jamison left, making a comment that his mother took to mean Redman had betrayed or cheated on him somehow, prosecutors said.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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