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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
Another video shows two fans fell over a wall and landed on concrete at the pit entrance. Mark Price updated July 7, Miami Herald, 7 July 2025 Sean is going to show you one of the biggest companies in the space. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Noun
In my first year auditioning, I was featured on Making the Team, the DCC reality show before the one on Netflix. Glamour, 8 July 2025 That’s certainly rare — especially when the show has been this successful. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Sell By: This date, used for inventory management purposes, indicates how long the retailer should display the product for sale.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 7 July 2025
  • In an experience that will certainly be beneficial heading into his first year as a Husky, the 7-foot big man continued to display his advanced footwork and an ability to score at all three levels during Germany’s 109-76 loss to Team USA in the gold medal game.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • If someone deliberately feeds misleading or malicious information to the AI or manipulates the backend knowledge-base articles and context sources, the system could learn something harmful, behave incorrectly or even reveal fragments of private data later on.
    Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • See the finds in Greece Off the coast of Greece, the Antikythera shipwreck continues to reveal its secrets, with recent excavations uncovering ancient sculptures and pottery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The approach Buffett pioneered has proven incredibly effective, raising millions over the years, with his final round alone bringing in $19 million.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • In the post, Witherspoon sported a striped shirtdress paired with a lightweight baby blue cardigan, proving once again that functional fashion doesn’t have to sacrifice style.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 10 July 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
  • 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
  • Senate Republicans steered the sweeping policy bill past a filibuster by using the protections of a process known as budget reconciliation, which also required the legislation to undergo a flurry of amendment votes that stretched from early Monday to lunchtime Tuesday.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Home plate umpire John Bacon appeared to miss two pitches in that at-bat, which miffed Mendoza, who erupted out of the dugout, kicked some dirt and was quickly ejected.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
  • There appeared to be no cohesive beauty look at Michael Rider's debut Celine show.
    Vogue, Vogue, 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
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    Time, Time, 9 July 2025
  • But certainly those acts got a little bit more attention, which probably did help them.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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