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
  • The man was taken to an area hospital but the extent of his injury has not been disclosed.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
  • What to know In a safety notice submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 24, GM disclosed that the recall affects a total of 597,630 vehicles.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Some 30 MiG 15s with North Korean and Chinese markings, though crewed by Soviet pilots, showed their superiority against an American force several times larger.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Videos show activists, many of whom were wearing keffiyehs, yelling and swearing as police officers attempted to get the unruly crowd under control.
    Andrea Margolis , Kitty Le Claire, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Universities reported some students being forced to leave the United States immediately, in many cases after discovering their visas were canceled in the federal Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) or via an unexpected text or email.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • After Knutson’s murder, investigators discovered that the roommates were allegedly getting into arguments over alarm clocks and pet fish.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Geomagnetic storm conditions last recorded two decades ago impacted Earth in May 2024, an event that pulled the northern lights to northern Florida and Texas, with another similar northern lights display in October.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Idaho's flag ban took effect on April 3, barring government officials from displaying any flags other than those on an approved short list, which includes the U.S. flag, flags of military branches and official flags of government entities.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • By enriching this data with operational and financial metrics, organizations can perform advanced analytics to uncover actionable root causes and establish a financial link to CX value.
    Forrester, Forbes.com, 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
  • So the price action in the handle has demonstrated weaker momentum.
    David Keller, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • Consideration centers on respect demonstrated by anticipating others' wants and needs.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The unlikely hit comedy, which tells a deranged alternative history of Mary Todd Lincoln, has attracted high-profile celebrity audience members including Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Market sources tell us the film’s budget is being pegged north of $150M. The film stars Jesse Plemons, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, and McKenna Grace.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 May 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
  • The fallout between the two legends stems from a broader web of disagreements: 50 Cent feels betrayed by Big Meech’s association with Rick Ross, who has traded public barbs and diss tracks with 50 for years.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reveal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!