REVEAL Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reveal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray , disclose , divulge , and tell . While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason. // divine will as revealed in sacred writings

Q: When is 'betray' a more appropriate choice than 'reveal'?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure. // a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Q: When can 'disclose' be used instead of 'reveal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal , disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret. // candidates must disclose their financial assets

Q: When could 'divulge' be used to replace 'reveal'?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence. // refused to divulge an anonymous source

Q: In what contexts can 'tell' take the place of 'reveal'?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information. // told them what he had overheard

reveal

verb

ri-ˈvēl

Definition of reveal

as in to disclose

to make known (as information previously kept secret) at the end of the book, the detective reveals the identity of the mysterious stranger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to show

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs a habitual smirk that reveals his contempt for other people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reveal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray, disclose, divulge, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

When is betray a more appropriate choice than reveal?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When can disclose be used instead of reveal?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When could divulge be used to replace reveal?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can tell take the place of reveal?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 reveal The handle is made from Sakura Birch wood – the detailed wood grain reveals itself through its smooth polished finish, making each one look distinctly different from any other. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 July 2026 Earlier this year, a Times investigation revealed ICE deported an informant who had turned against two of his co-defendants in a meth smuggling case. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 However, Luna’s close proximity with Chiron in Taurus can also reveal where our attachment to safety and comfort has essentially inhibited us from our own potential. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 Meta also revealed internal benchmark tests showing Muse Image trailing OpenAI’s latest GPT Image 2 model but beating the Nano Banana 2 model in tasks like editing both single and multiple images. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reveal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal

Verb

That mother’s name wasn’t publicly disclosed in the court record containing her complaint.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The hearing Wednesday began with a discussion about how to screen documents that may be protected by attorney-client privilege before they are disclosed to prosecutors.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of disclose

Verb

Certain tags have been more likely to get a post deleted or banned on Rednote, screenshots and searches show.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed steel columns on the building’s higher floors buckling and contorting on Tuesday.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of show

Verb

In April, authorities say investigators with the California’s Contractors State License Board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team discovered online advertisements offering construction services that did not list a contractor license number.

— Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
As the two form a close bond, Laila discovers there's some weird business going on within the house that threatens both of them.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of discover

Verb

The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the past week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
While your site displays static portfolio shots, Instagram can show the messy but rich middle—the tricky client requests, the material samples, the iteration process that turns a concept into reality.

— Danine Alati, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026

Definition of display

Verb

Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Your information could help uncover answers and drive future coverage.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of uncover

Verb

Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.

— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026

Definition of demonstrate

Verb

During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026

Definition of tell

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revamps

reveal

revealed

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“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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