1
as in cuts 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
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2
as in displays
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
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Recent Examples of shows off
This photo shows off the staggering scale of SLS, the VAB, and the crawler-transporter vehicle that hauls the rocket to and from the launch pad.
—
Brett Tingley, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Nine graduate students in the art school have moved their thesis shows off-campus to express solidarity with Quiñonez.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
The black dial shows off Roman numerals on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom, a distinct look designed to be legible even in dark conditions thanks to that contrast.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, Lilypad shows off some transcription and translation skills when Jessie (Joan Cusack) tries to chat with her.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026
After boarding, the Full House star shows off his best straight face.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
His multicourse omakase shows off the chef’s restrained minimalist Edomae style and love of aged fish.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Finally, Florida cranberry (Hibiscus sabdariffa) shows off stunning, edible red calyces that remain once flowers have fallen and can be used in a variety of recipes for baked goods, stews, chutneys, or simply for making tea.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Next to the arm, an ankle — where Umansky is tagged — shows off a tattoo with four thin black lines.
—Emy Lacroix, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Brett Tingley, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Nine graduate students in the art school have moved their thesis shows off-campus to express solidarity with Quiñonez.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
The black dial shows off Roman numerals on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom, a distinct look designed to be legible even in dark conditions thanks to that contrast.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, Lilypad shows off some transcription and translation skills when Jessie (Joan Cusack) tries to chat with her.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026
After boarding, the Full House star shows off his best straight face.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
His multicourse omakase shows off the chef’s restrained minimalist Edomae style and love of aged fish.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Finally, Florida cranberry (Hibiscus sabdariffa) shows off stunning, edible red calyces that remain once flowers have fallen and can be used in a variety of recipes for baked goods, stews, chutneys, or simply for making tea.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Next to the arm, an ankle — where Umansky is tagged — shows off a tattoo with four thin black lines.
—Emy Lacroix, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shows off
Verb
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How to Prune Viburnum Use sharp hand pruners for smaller cuts up to the diameter of a pencil, and loppers or a pruning saw for larger cuts.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2026
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Options laid out in an Interior Department study of new operating rules absent a seven-state solution envision Lower Basin cuts up to twice what the Southwestern states have suggested.—
Brandon Loomis,
AZCentral.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The list displays all public schools in alphabetical order, followed by private schools and then colleges and universities.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Gracynn displays professional and academic dedication in the classroom and extracurricular pursuits, instructor Jason Logan said.—
Andy Humbles,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The remaining slavery exhibits at the President's House Site at 6th and Market streets in Old City do not have to be restored for now after an appeals court ruling Friday.—
Liz Crawford,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
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In National Parks across the country, government officials are removing, often without explanation, exhibits that enable us to see through the eyes of people who lived in a world different from our own.—
Carol Quillen,
Time,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Koutouvides transitioned to life after football, found success in real estate development throughout Connecticut, but the pain of losing the Super Bowl twinges and acts up like an old joint injury.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
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But if your transmission acts up or your steering system goes haywire, car insurance won't help you.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Body camera video obtained by CNN affiliate WGRZ shows Shah Alam holding what appears to be two long black poles.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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When factoring in the exclusion date, the data shows that Arizona has not paid out any claims to providers once they were caught.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your Roomba emits a chime and flashes its indicator ring or a Wi-Fi symbol.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
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In his arms, a baby Jesus with mysteriously mature eye bags flashes a peace sign.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Rogelberg Anthropic unveils Claude Security Anthropic has rolled out a new tool focused on cybersecurity, harnessing the power of AI to detect vulnerabilities that humans can miss.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
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Her appointment comes as the brand unveils a new look and gears up to launch Ebbtide, a vaginal insert meant to relieve menstrual and pelvic pain.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shows off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shows%20off. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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