for show
idiom
1
: intended to be seen but not used or bought
We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show.
2
disapproving
: done in order to gain the approval or favor of others
He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show.
Examples of for show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is the guy who has been repeatedly caught inflating his net worth for show.
—
Chris Brennan, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Its shape isn’t just for show — according to Hyundai, the design reduces drag significantly.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Tehran’s closing act during the recent war—a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting the U.S. airbase in Qatar—was mostly for show.
—Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025
Since not every gardener can afford a large greenhouse, these displays are more for show and general education — and fun — than for sharing best regional practices for home gardeners in our region.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
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Chris Brennan, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Its shape isn’t just for show — according to Hyundai, the design reduces drag significantly.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Tehran’s closing act during the recent war—a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting the U.S. airbase in Qatar—was mostly for show.
—Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025
Since not every gardener can afford a large greenhouse, these displays are more for show and general education — and fun — than for sharing best regional practices for home gardeners in our region.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
Cite this Entry
“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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