DEMONSTRATE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'demonstrate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence , evince , manifest , and show . While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling. // demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Q: When would 'evidence' be a good substitute for 'demonstrate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate , evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something. // a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

Q: When might 'evince' be a better fit than 'demonstrate'?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs. // evinced not the slightest fear

Q: When could 'manifest' be used to replace 'demonstrate'?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation. // manifested musical ability at an early age

Q: When can 'show' be used instead of 'demonstrate'?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words. // careful not to show his true feelings

demonstrate

verb

ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt

Definition of demonstrate

as in to prove

to gain full recognition or acceptance of you must demonstrate your scientific thesis before a jury of your professional peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to establish

to show the existence or truth of by evidence the paleontologist hopes to demonstrate that dinosaurs once existed in central Peru by unearthing the fossil evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the babysitter's actions during the emergency demonstrate beyond doubt her general dependability

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable a few striking facts should demonstrate the complex nature of our topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples the visiting physicist demonstrated very graphically several basic scientific principles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word demonstrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence, evince, manifest, and show. While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

When would evidence be a good substitute for demonstrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate, evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

When might evince be a better fit than demonstrate?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

When could manifest be used to replace demonstrate?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

When can show be used instead of demonstrate?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

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 demonstrate By completing such a flight on battery power alone, Quantum Systems demonstrated that high-subsonic flight using this technology is feasible. — David Szondy october 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 The move aims to demonstrate that Britain remains committed to its climate targets despite backing a new gas project, following the country’s hottest summer on record. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026 While the initial Made By Her collection at Kingpins demonstrated the artisans’ capabilities, the mill is developing a sales mechanism to receive orders from brands. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 This also demonstrated that volunteers who’d come to the site for their own niche reasons could redirect their efforts en masse. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate

Verb

At every opportunity, Chris Brown seemed to be waiting in the wings, backflipping in Ne-Yo’s face, proving his dream of a certain era was long gone.

— Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026
None of this means that Miller’s forecast will prove the most accurate in the days to come.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of prove

Verb

Petersen’s research established the concept of mild cognitive impairment, which lies between healthy cognitive aging and dementia.

— Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Beyond payment speed, Mastercard is also looking to incorporate blockchain and identity data to establish the same level of trust expected across other payment systems, Driver said.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

As case counts surged in the initial months of the outbreak, population and demographic data revealed who was shouldering the greatest burdens.

— Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Medical examinations initially revealed no major injury, but his condition deteriorated.

— Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of reveal

Verb

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Chatbots can also explain complex topics in new ways and condense an overwhelming amount of information into a simple summary.

— Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Criminal conduct before citizenship The case illustrates how criminal conduct committed before naturalization can have consequences years after an immigrant becomes an American citizen.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
The sellers made a mistake — and a trip to the poker table helps illustrate their folly.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

His friendly, supportive presence showed how the rival nations (in the far-off future in which the show was set) were capable of working together.

— JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Vucic’s ousting shows the downside of that approach, as the whole relationship will have to be rebuilt from the ground up.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of show

Verb

Once everything is organized, PocketWise displays upcoming payments on a subscription calendar and sends renewal reminders before charges are due.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
Blocked from public view for nine years, the mural was finally displayed in 1957.

— David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of display

Verb

Supreme Court Justice Zanin later clarified the decision is valid for wherever polls were still open.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Test results should help clarify whether its propulsion system and modular design can deliver the range and flexibility L3Harris promises.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarify

Browse Nearby Words

demonstrable

demonstrate

demonstrated

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Style

“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demonstrate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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