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 The Alameda County Coroner's Office later revealed that the actor died of an accidental overdose, discovering a mix of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and benzodiazepines in his system at the time of his death. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2025 During the trial, it was also revealed that Proctor disclosed confidential information related to the murder investigation to friends and family members. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025 Olandria backs it up by revealing to the firepit that Huda and Chris kissed. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025 These findings reveal that the use of AI ends up reinforcing preexisting doubts about women’s competence. Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • Some of the victims were foreign nationals, though authorities have not disclosed specifics regarding their identities or nationalities.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The terms of the decade-long deal, which kick off with the 2025 Italian Grand Prix in Monza running Friday to Sunday, were not disclosed.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Golden stood out in training camp and the joint practices against the Colts and Seahawks, showing polished route running and explosive acceleration against NFL-level defensive backs.
    Cecil Merkerson III, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Dashcam footage shows a car driving in the wrong direction on a highway in Spanish Fork, Utah, nearly striking other vehicles in its path.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As The Athletic discovered on a recent stroll along the waterfront from the city centre, there’s certainly plenty of land ripe for development.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • For the uninitiated, the Hall effect, first discovered in 1879 by Edwin Hall, is a phenomenon where an electric current flowing through a conductor or semiconductor in the presence of a magnetic field produces a voltage across the material.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement What weapons did China display at the parade?
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The parade displayed large numbers of Chinese troops and military equipment, ranging from tanks and drones to long-range and nuclear ballistic missiles.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the course of Jess’s posts, readers learn about her complex relationship with her ex-best friend Chloe and uncover the truth about how the friendship broke apart.
    Caroline Carlson September 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Leaders can uncover the difference by asking questions.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Watch Thelma on Hulu Kinds of Kindness Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this 2024 dark dramedy anthology is told across three loosely interwoven chapters, each exploring characters who take extraordinary measures to demonstrate their love to someone else.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Royals demonstrated patience and diligently worked favorable counts before landing the knockout blow.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The cause of the accident was not immediately known, although the car appeared to have derailed, which a source from the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment told local media may have been caused by a loose cable leading to brake failure.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Figma added four new AI-native tools to its platform this quarter and told investors on the call to expect significant investments in AI going forward.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With Alexe Godin and Andrew Spencer safe from winning the last challenge, the cast voted for Spencer Conley and Jess Edwards to stay after bombshell rumors that Kat Izzo had betrayed Dale Moss.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Rock last appeared in a big WWE segment at March's 2025 Elimination Chamber, where Cena, then a babyface, betrayed Cody Rhodes and helped The Rock and Travis Scott attack him.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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