REVEAL Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reveal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray , disclose , divulge , and tell . While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason. // divine will as revealed in sacred writings

Q: When is 'betray' a more appropriate choice than 'reveal'?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure. // a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Q: When can 'disclose' be used instead of 'reveal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal , disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret. // candidates must disclose their financial assets

Q: When could 'divulge' be used to replace 'reveal'?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence. // refused to divulge an anonymous source

Q: In what contexts can 'tell' take the place of 'reveal'?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information. // told them what he had overheard

reveal

verb

ri-ˈvēl

Definition of reveal next

as in to disclose

to make known (as information previously kept secret) at the end of the book, the detective reveals the identity of the mysterious stranger

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to show

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs a habitual smirk that reveals his contempt for other people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reveal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray, disclose, divulge, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

When is betray a more appropriate choice than reveal?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When can disclose be used instead of reveal?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When could divulge be used to replace reveal?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can tell take the place of reveal?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

Examples 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 reveal Comments With Peaky Blinders hanging up its topcoat in 2022 — and Netflix yet to reveal the release date of the follow-up film — what's a fan of the British period crime drama to do? —

Matt Cabral, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2025 The report also revealed that the percentage of people with income below the poverty threshold was highest among unmarried households with children. —

Therese Boudreaux | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Jan. 2025 The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival has revealed this year’s juried award winners. —

Katcy Stephan, Variety, 12 Jan. 2025 But Jones has done a good job of not revealing his exact thoughts. —

Jon MacHota, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reveal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal

Verb

In California, any data breach affecting more than 500 residents must be disclosed to those affected and reported to the Attorney General.

Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025
It hadn’t been previously disclosed that she had been treated there.

Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025