show off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of show offnext
1
as in to horse around
to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention she just wants to show off her new jewelry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

show-off

2 of 2

noun

as in hotshot
informal + disapproving a person who tries to impress other people with his or her abilities or possessions

Related Words

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 off
Verb
The designer showed off a cheeky chartreuse green bikini in a completely sheer cover-up that was held together with string. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 The First Academy 38, Kathleen 0 TFA showed off its freshman talent in a big way in rolling to a victory in which the Royals scored all 38 points in the first half and pulled the starters after the running clock kicked in. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
But there’s value to the subtle, occasional mention of an appropriate insider name, a gesture that’s more like a secret handshake than the work of an oafish show-off. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2025 Luxury can sometimes be interpreted as someone, who is a show-off. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show off
  1. horse around
  2. display
  3. hotshot
  4. cut up
  5. show
  6. wise guy
  7. fool around
  8. exhibit
Verb
  • Also, don’t get too out of control horsing around with friends in the water.
    — John Natale, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
  • According to McGrady, the only royal who didn’t enjoy the time away in the Highlands was the late Princess Diana, who didn’t fit in with the family’s outdoorsy vibes and didn’t enjoy riding horses around the property due to a fall as a child.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of horse around
Verb
  • With 168 rooms and suites—some boasting water-facing balconies—the resort displays Texas-forward artwork and contemporary, clean finishes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Osburn can both transport pucks up ice well and make plays in the O-zone, displaying strong poise and touch.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • Fans who gush over the next big thing too often forget that many young hotshots turn out to be something less.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Adapted from Elle Kennedy’s novels of the same name and following a group of friends at the fictional Briar University, Season 1 is about Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli), a young hockey hotshot and Hannah Wells (Ella Bright), a bubbly music major.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 22 June 2026
Definition of hotshot
Verb
  • Mix a package of instant potatoes with a half packet of stuffing mix and some cut up salami.
    — Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Store Fresh Produce and Salads in Jars Speaking of prepping produce, Costello always makes sure to wash and cut up fresh fruit and veggies for meals and snacking.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut up
Verb
  • Estimates suggest that around 20% of US adults show disc degeneration by age 65.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Data from commodity analytics firm Kpler showed crossings at a five-day average of just 10 vessels, the lowest level since May.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • The show follows Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen, two estranged half-sisters who are both struggling to get by when their wise guy dad unexpectedly kicks the bucket.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Here’s a look at what each team in the NFC North has done in free agency, and how the wise guys in Las Vegas currently rank the division.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of wise guy
Verb
  • As Marshall and Alice consider one another and then start to fool around, the sequence feels organic and dangerous without being forced.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Another horny couple on vacation couldn’t wait until their flight landed to fool around and insisted on doing so in the plane's cabin.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of fool around
Verb
  • Thursday night in San Francisco, the de Young Museum held its latest installment of Late Night Editions, blending the extremely popular Treasures of the Pharaohs exhibit with an after-hours nightlife atmosphere.
    — Andrea Nakano, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone who believes they were exposed and exhibits measles symptoms such as cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, fever or rash should contact their healthcare provider and the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-578-8062.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibit

Browse Nearby Words

shown up (for)
show off
show-off
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Cite this Entry

“Show off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show%20off. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on show off

Nglish: Translation of show off for Spanish Speakers

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