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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
Meanwhile, financial markets must continue to grapple with the ongoing government shutdown, which shows no signs of ending anytime soon and will keep key economic indicators under wraps. Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025 The chart below from the Policy Forum shows the rates of teacher turnover over time. Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Fall and winter also happen to be when the state’s events calendar heats up with international art fairs, luxury yacht shows, and top-tier culinary festivals. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025 Earlier this year, Reznor’s band Nine Inch Nails launched the Peel It Back tour — their first live shows since 2022 — with dates across Europe in June and July, followed by a North American leg starting in August. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Pedestrians walk past a Nike store featuring a modern design and mannequins displaying winter apparel on December 5, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The mysterious laser weapon was displayed at China’s Victory Day parade in Beijing in September, and since then, speculations have been rife over its capabilities.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Well, that’s what the aforementioned six-week process is intended to reveal.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • These two games will be revealing.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Luis Gil continued to pitch poorly, proving the questions around why the Yankees started him in the first place were warranted.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • After a month of stress, Saturday proved to be a softer breath for the fourth-year coach.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An army of around 200 volunteers from the church and several charities were making food, picking up trash, guiding guests and MC'ing dance showcases, said Mary Cantrell, who has been a key organizer since 1993.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
  • So long as Gabriel can avoid critical mistakes and turnovers that marred Joe Flacco's four-game stint as Cleveland's starter, the rookie should have a chance to keep the Browns in this contest and guide them to a second win over NFC North competition.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans, aware of that history, are trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, leaving the door open to discuss the health care issue with Democrats later — once the government has reopened.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hers is a banger about fractured trust and power struggles with a man who once steered her career.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now that Dave's has opened in Louisville, the bold choices don't appear to be slowing.
    Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond his music career, the 31-year-old rapper has embarked on a professional wrestling career, first appearing on WWE in 2021 and competing in several matches since.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The journalists were among 15 people arrested during the July 17 demonstration held in support of Imam Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former Cincinnati Children's chaplain who was detained by ICE several days before.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But the national security law passed on the heels of large demonstrations and the COVID-19 pandemic got the better of most booksellers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The act requires virtual currency kiosk operators to register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, provide reports detailing all kiosk locations, and provide full refunds to new customers who are victims of scams at kiosks.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Victims should document evidence, prioritize safety and report incidents promptly, even if unsure whether the act constitutes a crime, officials said.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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