SHOW Synonyms: 295 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

show 1 of 2

verb

ˈshō

Definition of show next

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

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly

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as in to prove

to gain full recognition or acceptance of that shows we're right

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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

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as in to steer

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

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as in to appear

to come into view another car showed just as we were thinking we'd have the whole place to ourselves

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show

2 of 2

noun

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

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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

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication a false show of strength that fooled the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

However, the High Priestess shows February being full of rest and healing, urging you to slow down and listen to your intuition… because your sixth sense is strong for a reason. —

Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2025 The teens were in a group leaving the school’s Loop campus, on the first block of North Wabash Avenue, when two cars pulled up and their occupants began firing. Cook County court records show authorities issued an arrest warrant for Coleman, a Pullman resident, on Dec. 9. —

Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025

Noun

The show will feature tributes and fundraising, and the mood will certainly be more low-key after many of the usual Grammy-week parties were called off. —

Vulture Staff, Vulture, 2 Feb. 2025 Yet even more than most years, this 50th anniversary show was a tribute to the man himself. —

Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for show

Recent Examples of Synonyms for show

Verb

The photograph of a marble sculpture displayed on a marble wall at the Nationalgalerie was more than a clever conceit.

— Richard Meyer, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
The Nelson-Atkins acquired many of the photographs recently and will display them for the first time.

— Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 1 Feb. 2025