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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
And other countries, too, have shown no sign of recognizing Palestinian statehood. Paula Newton, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025 The post accompanied an emotional video showing the transportation of Kirk’s casket back to Phoenix a day after he was fatally shot in Utah. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
Like Vulture’s Josef Adalian, Gilroy believes Disney’s suspension of Kimmel was a way to buy time and ultimately keep the show on the air. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2025 Here’s everything Cristobal said during his six-minute appearance on the show. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • The Eco Wave Power logo is displayed on a floater raised out of the water during a demonstration of Eco Wave Power electricity generation technology using the power of ocean waves in the harbor at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, on August 26, 2025.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • According to a 2022 study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, older adults with a suicide attempt displayed higher levels of suicide intent than younger adults with a suicide attempt.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Originating at the Stanford House, a historic farmhouse built in 1843, the hike reveals fantastic views of the 65-foot Brandywine Falls with lots of tall oak, hickory, and beech trees along the way.
    Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed in her new memoir that 107 days was not enough time to win a presidential election, while offering a behind-the-scenes look into intimate moments and decisions during her historic presidential campaign.
    Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The swift police response and use of video surveillance technology proved crucial in identifying and apprehending the shooter.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Knowing the extent of your fit as opener can prove helpful in competitive auctions.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In Untertürkheim’s wind tunnel, fluorescent liquids track how rain or road spray moves across the car, guiding adjustments to pillars, mirrors, and seals to keep key sightlines clear.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
  • From the kinds of cabinets that are no longer in style, to various appliance types, range hoods and more, the professionals will guide you as to what can stay and what kitchen features should be left in 2010.
    Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Head coach Lane Kiffin steered Ole Miss to a 41-35 victory over Arkansas one week after navigating a 30-23 triumph against Kentucky.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Jack Fabiano rushed for four touchdowns and a two-point conversion to steer Masconomet to a 43-22 win over North Andover.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Artamonov, appearing before a magistrate judge in federal court in Maryland, was released on $300,000 bail with instructions to have no contact with victims or potential trial witnesses.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Getty Images Why Saturn’s Rings Appear Closed Earlier this year, Saturn’s rings appeared to vanish.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • See things in a new way Zuckerberg's on-stage Ray-Ban Display demo was missing the optical hand-tracking seen in last year's Orion demonstrations.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Hamas’ statement comes as public anger against Netanyahu and his government continues to mount inside Israel, with the weekly demonstrations in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the war and a ceasefire reaching a fever pitch – with some hostage families leading the fury.
    Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kirk's death was met with bipartisan condemnation from public officials, as top lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raised alarm about the rising tide in acts of violence against public officials.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Tomorrow, 2025’s summer season will be officially over—so let’s make the most of it with some amazing music and new albums from the industry’s brightest stars and some talented up-and-coming acts.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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