Definition of shownext
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as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
But Heder and the production team made a point of showing all of those, not just the stairs crafted to enter buildings, but putting the wheelchair-using cast in actual wheelchairs from the 1970s. — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026 Then in 1696, Jones’ father-in-law, Thomas Townsend, a wealthy New Yorker, gifted him and his wife a significant tract of land on Long Island’s south shore, property records show. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
This spring, YouTube’s pitch to content creators (and advertisers) was to make exclusive shows for the platform. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 8 Nov. 2026 The show really does belong to the people who watch it and embrace it year after year. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Jax, a tremendous force at 6-0, 260, displays impressive power, strength, and mobility as an agile powerhouse athlete.
    — James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Today, the restaurant features drawings and paintings by Curtis Archie, an artist Kneeland met approximately three years ago while looking for artwork to display during Black History Month.
    — J.M. Banks November 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • But the midterms revealed a broad backlash against redistricting efforts in the South that were aimed at boosting Republicans and, by extension, reducing Black representation.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In his acceptance speech, Villeneuve revealed a little about his creative expression, too, and used it as a lead-in to confront the existential crisis imposed by artificial intelligence.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • His public events have focused on his pet projects in Washington, which have proven unpopular with voters.
    — STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The evidence in this case has proven that Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws and policies are not a backdoor attempt to compel or control religion.
    — Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • With Miami, Moskowitz wants to show the rest of the country a system where rigor and competition are the guiding principles and teachers unions are the biggest roadblocks.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Going forward, Republicans must be guided by core conservative principles grounded in free market economics, defense of constitutional rights, and the protection of human life, religious liberty and parental rights in raising their children.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Lawmakers accused Peña of using his political influence to steer hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds into Ueno while regulators overlooked risky insider lending.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The family's commitment to Kenya runs deep, with CEO Ross Evans (Sir Dickie's son) returning from a banking career in Singapore in 2017 to steer the company's expansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Aquascape appears on the Chicago Tribune’s list of Top Workplaces for the first time this year, ranking 70th among small employers, as measured by the consultancy Energage in Exton, Pennsylvania.
    — John W. Bateman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Drinking beer has long been a staple of American politics, as presidential candidates have used the sudsy drink to appear more likeable and appealing to the average voter.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The crowd below, fresh from a demonstration to protest education cuts by libertarian President Javier Milei, had stopped outside her apartment to chant her name.
    — Marina Dias, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
  • How the machines respond to these situations could better indicate their practical capabilities than isolated demonstrations of individual movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • While sharing little in common with dueling-guitar acts such as the Allman Brothers Band or ’70s contemporaries the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, Television also drew its power from the preternatural rapport between Verlaine and Lloyd’s instruments.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Demand for grading — an act of verifying a card’s authenticity and condition — has grown as collectors increasingly treat trading and vintage sports cards as alternative investments.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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