DEMONSTRATE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'demonstrate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence , evince , manifest , and show . While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling. // demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Q: When would 'evidence' be a good substitute for 'demonstrate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate , evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something. // a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

Q: When might 'evince' be a better fit than 'demonstrate'?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs. // evinced not the slightest fear

Q: When could 'manifest' be used to replace 'demonstrate'?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation. // manifested musical ability at an early age

Q: When can 'show' be used instead of 'demonstrate'?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words. // careful not to show his true feelings

demonstrate

verb

ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt

Definition of demonstrate next

as in to prove

to gain full recognition or acceptance of you must demonstrate your scientific thesis before a jury of your professional peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to establish

to show the existence or truth of by evidence the paleontologist hopes to demonstrate that dinosaurs once existed in central Peru by unearthing the fossil evidence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the babysitter's actions during the emergency demonstrate beyond doubt her general dependability

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable a few striking facts should demonstrate the complex nature of our topic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples the visiting physicist demonstrated very graphically several basic scientific principles

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word demonstrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence, evince, manifest, and show. While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

When would evidence be a good substitute for demonstrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate, evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

When might evince be a better fit than demonstrate?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

When could manifest be used to replace demonstrate?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

When can show be used instead of demonstrate?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

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 demonstrate Certainly some individuals have demonstrated, over the course of two Premier League seasons, that this may be a step too far for them. —

Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 Stefan’s commitment to making others feel welcome is demonstrated through his involvement in JumpStart, Homeroom, Student Senate, and varsity golf and soccer teams. —

News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 Several impressive monologues, including a cynical diatribe from Ally in a restaurant that grounds much of the first act, demonstrate Ruben’s knack for keeping his actors in the same movie. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025 Chair Marissa Gillett has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise, a deep commitment to Connecticut ratepayers, and an unwavering focus on grid reliability and environmental responsibility. —

Rep. Jaime Foster, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for demonstrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate

Verb

The decision immediately proved controversial, with the crowd loudly booing both players during their run.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
But Saturday’s loss to the Pirates, who came in sitting in last place in the Big East and on a nine-game losing skid, proved the two-time reigning champs still have a long ways to go.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2025