for show
idiom
1
: intended to be seen but not used or bought
We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show.
2
disapproving
: done in order to gain the approval or favor of others
He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show.
Examples of for show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Since not every gardener can afford a large greenhouse, these displays are more for show and general education — and fun — than for sharing best regional practices for home gardeners in our region.
—
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
There, patrons would pay costs and additional fees for show tickets much greater than the face value charged by the University Musical Society (UMS), the nonprofit which presents shows at the Hill Auditorium, according to court filings.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
The project is still in the planning stage, but Lynch noted that there can be different types of Little Free Galleries, such as ones just for show, where people can come and view the art.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Martin said Aurora's sensors are not for show and are built with backups.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
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Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
There, patrons would pay costs and additional fees for show tickets much greater than the face value charged by the University Musical Society (UMS), the nonprofit which presents shows at the Hill Auditorium, according to court filings.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
The project is still in the planning stage, but Lynch noted that there can be different types of Little Free Galleries, such as ones just for show, where people can come and view the art.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Martin said Aurora's sensors are not for show and are built with backups.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
Cite this Entry
“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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