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show

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noun

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as in display
an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect the children made a show of disgust when confronted with asparagus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word show different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of show are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and parade. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

When is it sensible to use display instead of show?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for show?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When might expose be a better fit than show?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When can flaunt be used instead of show?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Where would parade be a reasonable alternative to show?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

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 show
Verb
Revenge of the Sith is looking at a weekend haul of anywhere from $21 million to $23 million, which would be one of the top openings ever for a rerelease (one rival shows the film earning $25 million). Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2025 Jesse Winker hit into a triple play in the top of the fourth inning, but replays showed that first-base umpire Alfonso Marquez made the wrong call. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
Born in the Philippines before moving to New York City as a child, Caliente also had a recurring role on the Ryan Murphy FX drama series Pose as Veronica, and appeared on other TV shows like Broad City and Search Party. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 Bode was forced to watch as the building began to crumble, unable to go back inside to save his family, which was an intentional choice by the show’s creators. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Federal authorities allege Cui and Miller paid two other people about $36,500 to convince the victim not to display the statues.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • Belichick-Hudson interview reveals North Carolina may be headed for train wreck | Opinion Don’t let this ruin your beach trip!
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • By month’s end, the right path should reveal itself.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • At minimum, you will be required to show documents proving your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Trump’s proposal for peace in Gaza — floated and then largely dropped in recent weeks — was a U.S. government takeover of the strip, which has proved a security and diplomatic nightmare for Israel to manage, within and from afar, for decades.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dugan is accused of guiding the defendant and his attorney out of a side door to a hallway leading to a public area on the same floor, according to authorities.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, build structures that invite real debate, define guiding principles that hold the team together and recommit regularly to the messy, human work of listening and aligning.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But those launches are usually accompanied by airspace and maritime warning notices to ensure pilots and sailors steer clear of the test.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has steered the White House toward a rapprochement with the Kremlin, monitored with apprehension by most of the U.S.' allies and many domestic lawmakers.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors also appeared to reveal today that Combs had rejected an apparent plea deal.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Still, the quarterback appears to be keeping a positive attitude and expects to be drafted on Friday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The White House did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment on demonstrations but did make a Saturday post online in reference to Abrego Garcia.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The events ranged from rallies in midtown Manhattan and in front of the White House to a demonstration at a Massachusetts commemoration marking the start of the American Revolutionary War 250 years ago.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What should have been a pure celebration of Sanders’ hard work and achievement was instead partially overshadowed by an act of disrespect that he was then expected to graciously forgive.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Tap the Neighbors tab to view pictures and video of events in your neighborhood such as porch thefts, attempted break-ins, and acts of vandalism.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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