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show

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noun

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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

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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
The first photo showed Finnley in swaddle clothes and a large pink and blue hairbow. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 However, other studies show no benefit or possible risks, so more research is needed to understand its effects on heart health. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
The show was produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 Related Articles Rolex Day-Date II — $36,800 Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) is almost always seen with her Rolex in the show. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Asia Asian stocks have displayed a mixed performance throughout Wednesday's trading session.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The new portable console features a 7.9 inch LCD screen that displays in 1080p.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gen Zer Returning From 10-Week Trip Shocked At What ‘Horrific’ Rib Pain Was By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A woman has revealed how a sudden pain in her ribs while in college led to a life-changing discovery.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In Sunday’s stressful Season 3 finale, all the storylines came to a tragic climax, with Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), Rick (Walton Goggins) and Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), who was revealed to be Rick’s real father, all dying in a shootout at the resort.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Hiltz dropped a personal best in the 800-meter yesterday, proving to be one of the favorites to earn the large prize.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • And by the exact same logic, someone who’s proven chronically unwilling or unable to abide by the rules of the road shouldn’t be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car — which is a deadly weapon when driven irresponsibly.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Artists need to be prioritized, supported and guided.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
  • According to a college admissions consultant who spoke to The Post, 10 college seniors whom the consultant guided through the process and who were accepted to Columbia have all decided to enroll elsewhere.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Russo also pleaded guilty to one count of failure to appear, according to prosecutors.
    Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Khalil is due to appear before an immigration judge for a removal proceeding on April 8.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Students at Columbia University report a tense mood on campus after being center stage in the Trump administration’s multi-prong fight against protests at colleges around the country last year, including deportation efforts against some international students who took part in the demonstrations.
    Samantha Waldenberg, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • His demonstration reignited interest in Wells’ earlier work with nitrous oxide, Desai says, and the idea of using nitrous oxide as an anesthetic began to take hold, prompting its use to eventually become a standard part of dental and medical procedures.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Writing it, one senses, was a high-wire act over an abyss of pain, agitation, uncertainty, and the dread of being ignored or misunderstood.
    Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Following the act of protest, the referee of the University of Maryland match -- which was not an NCAA tournament -- issued a black card to Turner, removing her from the competition.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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