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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
Their images showed that the glacier had retreated significantly in the seven years since their last visit. Sarah Boon june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 Organizations must show top performers specific examples of how excellence has led to advancement within the company. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
Almost 205,000 Hispanics live in Mecklenburg, the data shows, or about 58% of the region’s population of Latinos. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025 Nationwide, more than 145 people have been hospitalized with measles so far this year, federal data show, and many of those hospitalized have needed intensive care. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • The Meta logo is displayed during the Viva Technology show at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on May 22, 2024 in Paris, France.
    Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 25 June 2025
  • The bakery case displays the day’s dessert specials.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Machine Gun Kelly has finally revealed the name of his infant daughter with Megan Fox, nearly three months after the on-and-off couple welcomed their first child together.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
  • Erin Andrews, a sports broadcaster and co-founder of women’s apparel company WEAR, revealed her experiences in the spotlight.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • After nearly three years of sleeping on this Avocado, it's proven its durability—there's zero sagging or other issues.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 June 2025
  • In that sense, this lasting legacy of this really good horror movie may well prove to be the shot-in-the-arm given to the blues.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone, along with Connecticut State Police.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
  • The policy guides efforts across the system’s campuses and academic health centers, including UC San Diego Health.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • They’re embedded just enough to carry the weight—but not enough to steer the ship.
    Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • At the same time, Wynwood Norte is seeing some of the fruits of the rezoning in the form of several low-scale, neighborhood-friendly workforce apartment buildings that are now under construction, said Miami attorney Steven Wernick, who helped steer that plan to approval.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • On paper, at least, public opinion appears to lean against privatization.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Iran's retaliatory strikes on Monday at the largest U.S. military base in the region appeared to offer an off-ramp to Trump and the United States to prevent further escalation -- something Trump embraced in his social media response to the attacks.
    Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Most demonstrations were peaceful, particularly during the day, but some turned into violent riots, resulting in numerous arrests.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025
  • Dueling demonstrations, wars, immigration, inflation — any number of issues grab our attention daily.
    Anastasia G Mcateer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Soon after, Nifty gets a potentially career making gig as the opening act for a singer at Havana’s best hotel.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Weddings, like families, are built one choice, one gesture, one loving act at a time.
    Jason Mitchell Kahn, People.com, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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