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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
Their images showed that the glacier had retreated significantly in the seven years since their last visit. Sarah Boon june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 Organizations must show top performers specific examples of how excellence has led to advancement within the company. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
Almost 205,000 Hispanics live in Mecklenburg, the data shows, or about 58% of the region’s population of Latinos. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025 Nationwide, more than 145 people have been hospitalized with measles so far this year, federal data show, and many of those hospitalized have needed intensive care. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • The Meta logo is displayed during the Viva Technology show at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on May 22, 2024 in Paris, France.
    Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 25 June 2025
  • The bakery case displays the day’s dessert specials.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Instead, recent events in Iran have revealed that anti-Americanism can bind an alliance together only so much.
    Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025
  • The offer doesn’t reveal what the potential costs would be for the roads, sewers, utilities and other amenities.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Venter said there was no evidence to prove that covid-19 had been manipulated in a lab, nor was there any indication the virus had been spreading before December 2019 anywhere outside of China.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
  • Kennedy’s actions are potentially deadly, and the CDC has the data to prove it.
    Michael A. Hiltzik, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • His legacy was the tradition of limited government and individual responsibility that guides us back to our true north when America gets off track.
    Linda McMahon, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Leah Williamson, who led England to Euro 2022 glory and helped guide Arsenal to Champions League success as vice-captain, has been a natural leader.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Both would spend trillions to extend the 2017 tax cuts while steering more money to the military and immigration enforcement.
    Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • Fifth, without patients being steered through insurance networks, direct-to-patient providers must compete for business by offering attractive pricing and high-quality care.
    Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • There appeared to be no cohesive beauty look at Michael Rider's debut Celine show.
    Vogue, Vogue, 6 July 2025
  • European banks have meanwhile significantly boosted their profits over the last three years as central banks dragged interest rates out of a decade of ultra-low territory, a shift that appears to have been belatedly priced in this year — even with rates now falling .
    Jenni Reid,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • These hiking physical human augmentation wearables are exiting the Trough of Disillusionment, led by three factors that work in their favor: low price, influencer content, and public demonstrations.
    Borislav "Bobby" Marinov, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The crowded panorama of ticktocking boxes is ridiculous and charming and absolutely unforgettable in its slightly manic demonstration of Japanese hobbyism.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill to the benefit of every human everywhere.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • The group relocated briefly to San Francisco in 1966, playing gigs and honing their live act.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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