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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
The first photo showed Finnley in swaddle clothes and a large pink and blue hairbow. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 However, other studies show no benefit or possible risks, so more research is needed to understand its effects on heart health. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
The show was produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 Related Articles Rolex Day-Date II — $36,800 Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) is almost always seen with her Rolex in the show. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • The new portable console features a 7.9 inch LCD screen that displays in 1080p.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Asia Asian stocks have displayed a mixed performance throughout Wednesday's trading session.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Harry has Kiko take a look at the crate's contents, which are now revealed to us in all their gory glory.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • But Brown turned serious when revealing how having the opportunity to have a say in casting and staffing the series had been a special treat for him.
    Scott Huver, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Hiltz dropped a personal best in the 800-meter yesterday, proving to be one of the favorites to earn the large prize.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • It's been proven time and again that what goes around most certainly comes back around.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Our customers seek to be informed, guided and cared for.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • It's guided by a local collective of mindfulness mentors.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yet, many peaceful protestors have faced severe repercussions for their participation in demonstrations, including being fired from their jobs and doxxing — where personal information is shared publicly to incite harassment and in some cases death threats.
    Nikki Morse, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The company provided firearms for a live demonstration to the Mountain States Tactical Officers Association in Montana, the agency posted online.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Writing it, one senses, was a high-wire act over an abyss of pain, agitation, uncertainty, and the dread of being ignored or misunderstood.
    Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Following the act of protest, the referee of the University of Maryland match -- which was not an NCAA tournament -- issued a black card to Turner, removing her from the competition.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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