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
The explosive growth of Pokémon has been great for show promoters.
—
Michael Salfino, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Manuel Sá View 5 Images This skyscraper's extraordinary exterior is not just for show.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2025
The key theme that sounded the alarm for show business executives: The way young people consume entertainment is changing.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Any Btu less than 40,000 is more for show than for heating.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Michael Salfino, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Manuel Sá View 5 Images This skyscraper's extraordinary exterior is not just for show.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2025
The key theme that sounded the alarm for show business executives: The way young people consume entertainment is changing.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Any Btu less than 40,000 is more for show than for heating.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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 14 May. 2025.
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