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
In a video shared to the school’s Instagram account, the 19 year old—who is already taller than his father—can be seen showing off his athletic talents on the court. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026 This isn’t a scientific survey — it’s meant to be fun and help show off what local businesses have to offer. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 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
  • While millions of Americans are hurting from high prices and low hiring, new research suggests the finances of younger generations are displaying surprising resilience.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In one video, creator Deborah Wanjala advocates for the viral Abbey Yung hair method, displaying her years-in-the-making product arsenal packed with Amika, Living Proof, K18, and Redken alongside drugstore brands like Dove and Pantene.
    — Ava Welsing-Kitcher, Allure, 24 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
  • Booking information from Clark County Detention Center in Nevada shows Hughes in custody with no bail, with a hearing before a judge scheduled for Thursday morning.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The arrest comes just over 24 hours after the NYPD released surveillance footage on Monday showing Guzman Soto slowly walking through the lobby of his mother’s apartment building wheeling a small suitcase.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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