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

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 reveal Just before Christmas, it was revealed that Nolan’s latest project would be the adaptation of Homer’s epic poem composed around the 8th century BCE. —

Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025 Her reporting revealed that he had previously been forced out of leadership positions in advocacy groups over allegations of financial mismanagement, sexist behavior and intoxication. —

Katie Robertson, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 In the series, it’s revealed that Gabby called an ex-boyfriend in the days leading up to her disappearance and on the day detectives think she was murdered. —

Addie Morfoot, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 Regardless of the statements, the NFL has also revealed what elements of the game will be looked at. —

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reveal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal

Verb

Kaling — who welcomed her third child, daughter Anne, last February — has not disclosed the identity of her kids' biological father.

— KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
The statement from Ritts' office says the felony charge in the indictment against the suspects will be disclosed once it is filed in Ontario County Court.

— Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2025