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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
Cities across Texas show the greatest rates of subsidence, with Houston taking the lead. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 8 May 2025 Federal court records show that Premier Brands Group has not yet responded to the denim brand’s complaint. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
Noun
Everybody who makes this show was there on that day. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 9 May 2025 That decision does set up a show that could go on and on. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • In early April, the U.S. State Department revoked the band members’ visas for allegedly displaying a visual of a cartel kingpin during a recent show.
    Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • And while the emotions the teenage characters display are universal, they are also informed by reality.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The list also reveals the male and female names that are the most popular: Olivia and Emma ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for girls, and Liam and Noah ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for boys.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The Lobby Boyz member revealed that he was not charged in the shooting, despite it not being deemed self-defense.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The regular wide version has been my go-to choice for trips for the past year, proving itself a capable all-round pad.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 11 May 2025
  • What began as a typical squabble between siblings, Clementine, 6, and Maisie, 3, quickly turned into a beautiful moment of understanding, proving that even the youngest of children can navigate difficult emotions with empathy and care.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Inside, nine immersive galleries guide visitors through Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the grandeur of Titanic’s interiors, and the events leading up to the disaster, as well as the legacy that followed.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • In 29 seasons, Popovich guided the Spurs to five NBA championships, won a record 1,466 games in the regular season and left a legacy as one of the best leaders in NBA history, a culture builder who transformed San Antonio into a model franchise.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Imagine a breadcrumb path that steers them straight into the system that controls them, reducing the risk that termites might tunnel between stations on the way to the structure.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • In addition to Waitress, Titcomb has appeared in national touring and regional productions of Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Frozen and Fun Home.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 May 2025
  • Trump appears to have opted for using tariffs as a stick.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • While protests around the Palais have been banned by the mayor of Cannes, a demonstration is being organized at approximately 6:30 p.m., starting near Cannes’ city hall and planning to end on the red carpet.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 May 2025
  • Last year, a small collection of staff working across the festival’s competition strands did mount a series of modest demonstrations to raise awareness about their working conditions.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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