1
as in cutting up
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
Relevance
2
as in displaying
to present so as to invite notice or attention
she just wants to show off her new jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 showing off
Large-leaved, tall coleus are stunning on their own, but work particularly well at showing off dahlia blooms.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Peeking out from under her long ringlets, Kidman smiled at the camera while showing off a plunging black silk top with a sweetheart neckline and a white rib accent on her bodice.
—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
20 June 2026
Though more commonly associated with their long migrations from Alaska to Hawaii or showing off for whale watchers off the coast of New England, a unique population of humpback whales call the Arabian Sea home.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
Several companies were showing off smart glasses, which look pretty much like regular prescription or sun glasses but with sophisticated electronics that enable them to sense what is around you and report back either through speakers or, in some cases, see through displays embedded into the lenses.
—
Larry Magid,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
The length is perfect for long walking days, as the extended coverage prevents chafing while still showing off plenty of leg.
—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
On Thursday, June 4, the Duchess of Sussex celebrated Princess Lilibet's big day with a new post on Instagram showing off her daughter's beautiful red hair.
—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
From his reality shows before becoming a politician, to hours spent entertaining at events in ways planned and impromptu, to proudly showing off his various properties and efforts to overhaul the White House, the president relishes hosting.
—
ABC News,
3 June 2026
The matching set featured a jacket on top with a high neckline, and a skirt that included a high slit, showing off the actress's toned legs.
—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Peeking out from under her long ringlets, Kidman smiled at the camera while showing off a plunging black silk top with a sweetheart neckline and a white rib accent on her bodice.
—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
20 June 2026
Though more commonly associated with their long migrations from Alaska to Hawaii or showing off for whale watchers off the coast of New England, a unique population of humpback whales call the Arabian Sea home.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
Several companies were showing off smart glasses, which look pretty much like regular prescription or sun glasses but with sophisticated electronics that enable them to sense what is around you and report back either through speakers or, in some cases, see through displays embedded into the lenses.
—
Larry Magid,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
The length is perfect for long walking days, as the extended coverage prevents chafing while still showing off plenty of leg.
—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
On Thursday, June 4, the Duchess of Sussex celebrated Princess Lilibet's big day with a new post on Instagram showing off her daughter's beautiful red hair.
—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
From his reality shows before becoming a politician, to hours spent entertaining at events in ways planned and impromptu, to proudly showing off his various properties and efforts to overhaul the White House, the president relishes hosting.
—
ABC News,
3 June 2026
The matching set featured a jacket on top with a high neckline, and a skirt that included a high slit, showing off the actress's toned legs.
—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showing off
Verb
-
Using unseen footage from Presley’s 1969 to 1976 Las Vegas residency, the movie plays the hits – plus The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel – but also showcases his sense of humor, quipping with crowds and cutting up with bandmates.
-
Always cutting up and making memories.
Verb
-
Pedestrians walk past a digital broadcast displaying share prices on the facade of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on the day of India's general election result in Mumbai on June 4, 2024.
-
Federal officials detailed public safety hazards such as displaying a juvenile tiger in an open-top, unlocked enclosure during a 2008 public exhibition in South Carolina.
Verb
-
Bevel was horsing around with the Reverend James Orange and Andy Young in the courtyard under King's balcony, according to Orange.
-
In April 2020, Iglesias shared a video of him horsing around with Lucy and Nicholas as the pair attempted to climb on his back for a ride.
Verb
-
Bodycam footage of the arrest released by the sheriff's office shows a deputy holding a flashing red and blue light apparently found in Jabari's vehicle.
-
To remain an entertainment capital demands consistent reinvention, the showroom’s neon glow begetting the nightclub’s flashing LEDs and so on and so forth.
Verb
-
Baye continued acting up until 2023.
-
The capsule’s toilet is already acting up.
Verb
-
Still, visitors to Bryce have posted videos on social media showing the giant plume in the distance.
-
Fox News Digital previously reported on 911 call audio and police reports obtained through a public records request showing the suspect was released to his father after the alleged hit-and-run.
Verb
-
Zeus did not approve of his daughter fooling around with this mortal roughneck hunter and put out a hit on Orion.
-
The transition was rough for Ansari, who wasn’t fluent in English and often got in trouble for fooling around in school.
Verb
-
If your dog is exhibiting signs of distress, bring them to your local emergency vet.
-
The 2026 edition featured 65 exhibiting brands and attracted nearly 60,000 visitors, underscoring the event's growing importance as the industry's premier annual gathering.
Cite this Entry
“Showing off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showing%20off. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
