revealing

adjective

re·​veal·​ing ri-ˈvē-liŋ How to pronounce revealing (audio)
: allowing a look at or an understanding of something inner or hidden
a revealing confession
also : tending to expose more typically hidden parts of the body
a revealing halter top
revealingly adverb

Example Sentences

The book is a revealing account of being part of a gang. Her comments about her childhood were revealing. She wore a very revealing shirt. That skirt is much too revealing.
Recent Examples on the Web For the occasion, sponsored in part by Casamigos, Gerber put her model figure on display in a revealing black mesh dress, which showed off her underarm tattoo. Tracey Harrington Mccoy, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2023 Its v-neck front — not too modest, not too revealing — and empire waist mimic the universally flattering shape of a wrap dress, but this piece is actually a pull-on. Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2023 But DeAnna Bowers and Dan Everett, a South Carolina marketing agent who represents Brock on NIL opportunities, offered a revealing picture of how one college athlete chose to navigate the new landscape. Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Mar. 2023 Chemistry sessions are incredibly revealing and informative. Avi Dan, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023 Fury of the Gods press in London, Lucy Liu selected a revealing Lanvin gown that took florals to new levels. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2023 Dreams From Our Founding Fathers is a revealing treatise, lively and polemical. David Waldstreicher, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2023 Cut titillatingly low, the gown's neckline plunged past Lopez's navel and had a revealing central split. Leah Dolan, CNN, 2 Feb. 2023 Her much gossiped-about fling earlier this year was blessedly short-lived, but she’s managed to remain queen of the headlines by way of a distinct fashion style, specifically through her revealing and eccentric DIY looks. José Criales-unzueta, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'revealing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of revealing was circa 1925

Dictionary Entries Near revealing

Cite this Entry

“Revealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revealing. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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