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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Artist manager and show director, Paulette Varelas, joins Lisanti to manage Seven Lions. —

Thania Garcia, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025 In a confessional, Ji-yeon provided details that weren’t shown during the first edit. —

Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

With six episodes still left, there’s plenty of time for the show to swerve into new heights or disappointing dead ends or the vast middle ground in between. —

Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025 The show deals with wildfires, which felt especially resonant for many after the recent devastation in Los Angeles. —

Emily Burns, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for show

Recent Examples of Synonyms for show

Verb

Trump sends moon rock back to NASA that had been displayed in White House since 2021 Starliner astronauts 'focus on the now:' USA TODAY's exclusive interview with ISS crew NASA astronaut Suni Williams becomes woman with most hours spent on spacewalks When will the snow moon be visible?

— Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
For example, certain holidays and events, including Pride Month and Black History Month, are no longer displayed by default on the first day of the respective months, sparking some people to criticize the company on its message boards.

— Josh Campbell, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025