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 darkness of Newman’s work was internal and subtextual: a horror from within, not painted on for show.
—
David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024
With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family, including Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole (Haley Kalil).
—EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024
But the writers who spoke with Rolling Stone say McMahon’s intimidating behavior was not just for show.
—Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
As soon becomes obvious, lots of things in these pages take place just for show; hypocrisy reigns, and in one way or another, almost everyone is playing a part.
—Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for for show 
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David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024
With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family, including Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole (Haley Kalil).
—EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024
But the writers who spoke with Rolling Stone say McMahon’s intimidating behavior was not just for show.
—Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
As soon becomes obvious, lots of things in these pages take place just for show; hypocrisy reigns, and in one way or another, almost everyone is playing a part.
—Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for for show
Dictionary Entries Near for show
Cite this Entry
“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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