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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
Revenge of the Sith is looking at a weekend haul of anywhere from $21 million to $23 million, which would be one of the top openings ever for a rerelease (one rival shows the film earning $25 million). Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2025 Jesse Winker hit into a triple play in the top of the fourth inning, but replays showed that first-base umpire Alfonso Marquez made the wrong call. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
Born in the Philippines before moving to New York City as a child, Caliente also had a recurring role on the Ryan Murphy FX drama series Pose as Veronica, and appeared on other TV shows like Broad City and Search Party. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 Bode was forced to watch as the building began to crumble, unable to go back inside to save his family, which was an intentional choice by the show’s creators. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • The museum’s Vietnam Gallery displays Mills’ uniform, flight helmet and medals.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Federal authorities allege Cui and Miller paid two other people about $36,500 to convince the victim not to display the statues.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In September 2023, another investigation with Webb – an advanced telescope launched in 2021 outfitted with powerful infrared instruments – revealed something more: traces of carbon-bearing molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere, including methane and carbon dioxide.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Whether this season was simply a speed bump on their way to getting there or a concerning indication of things to come will be revealed soon.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jarred Kelenic, picked up in trade from the Seattle Mariners in the 2023-2024 offseason, has proven to be a liability as well, starting the season with an anemic slash line of .146./.239/.244.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Naysayers insisted that increasing content costs would match the company’s rapid topline and subscriber growth, and profits would prove illusory.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Without a cell signal to guide her, my husband and I led her to the interstate ourselves.
    Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Reportedly Wants to Defund the National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth By Abby Monteil Venus re-enters Aries on April 30: Love can be a guiding ethos.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But those launches are usually accompanied by airspace and maritime warning notices to ensure pilots and sailors steer clear of the test.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has steered the White House toward a rapprochement with the Kremlin, monitored with apprehension by most of the U.S.' allies and many domestic lawmakers.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors also appeared to reveal today that Combs had rejected an apparent plea deal.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Her blonde hair falls below her collarbone, and her makeup appears minimal, save for jet black lashes.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The White House did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment on demonstrations but did make a Saturday post online in reference to Abrego Garcia.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The tactic was inspired by past mass demonstrations against Trump, such as the January 2017 Women's March.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • So tune in at those times to hear the DJs play such acts as MercyMe, Tauren Wells, Lauren Daigle and Chris Tomlin.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • During his set at the T-Mobile Mane Stage, Combs performed a stack set of hits and sprinkled his act with huge surprise guests: Bailey Zimmerman, Good Charlotte and lastly, Garth Brooks.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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