show 1 of 2

verb

ˈshō How to pronounce show (audio)
Definition of shownext
1
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention fishing for compliments, the neighbors showed their new SUV to everyone on the block

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reveal
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to prove
to gain full recognition or acceptance of that shows we're right

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to guide
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed showed me how to play the guitar

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to appear
to come into view another car showed just as we were thinking we'd have the whole place to ourselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

show

2 of 2

noun

1
as in display
an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect the children made a show of disgust when confronted with asparagus

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in act
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive her "concern" for the less fortunate is all just a big show

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication a false show of strength that fooled the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a boat show at the convention center

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of show are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and parade. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

When is it sensible to use display instead of show?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for show?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When might expose be a better fit than show?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When can flaunt be used instead of show?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Where would parade be a reasonable alternative to show?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

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 show
Verb
In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup. — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Photos apparently taken by the men themselves show wads of cash on the seat of a car, in a plastic bag and in stacks on the floor of a location in New York. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Noun
Englewood City Council called a special session on Wednesday evening to discuss whether to have its fireworks show, ultimately deciding to move forward with it. — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026 Byrne had appeared in films and TV shows since the 1960s, with his latest credit in 2023, according to his IMDb page. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
  1. display
  2. reveal
  3. prove
  4. guide
  5. steer
  6. appear
  7. demonstration
  8. act
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
  • Studies reveal a growing 'proximity bias,' where in-office employees are more likely to receive promotions and recognition, with career prospects for remote workers declining.
    — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of reveal
Verb
  • That verdant vista of a piece of ancient, intricate architecture centered me in storied Osaka and proved a delightfully consistent through line for my stay.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • In its conclusion, the report said forensic evidence did not prove Oliver died from inflicted trauma.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of prove
Verb
  • Queiroz is confident his experience can help guide a team of talented players, many of whom also play in some of the biggest pro leagues in the world.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Whether the future is guided by a more centralized federal framework or a complex matrix of state-level consumer protections, the race to a multi-billion-dollar digital overhaul is already well underway.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The jet stream is a highway of air at high altitudes which steers weather systems.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • This spring, Russert received a call from leadership at MS NOW, steered by former CNN executive Rebecca Kutler.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of steer
Verb
  • The 36-year-old Spaniard breaks Roger Federer’s record by appearing in a 66th consecutive Grand Slam singles tournament, continuing a run that started at the 2002 French Open.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Actress Mariska Hargitay, who joined Swift courtside at Madison Square Garden during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, appears to have one notable gap in her Broadway schedule.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of appear
Noun
  • Defense attorneys argued during the trial that the defendants planned a peaceful protest and noise demonstration with fireworks to show support for people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • Whether such demonstrations accelerate commercial adoption remains to be seen.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of demonstration
Noun
  • At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.
    — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of act

Phrases Containing show

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shoving (off)
show
show bill
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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on show

Nglish: Translation of show for Spanish Speakers

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