show 1 of 2

Definition of shownext
1
2
3
4
5
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

show

2 of 2

noun

1
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

2
3
4

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

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
His heart was pure and full of love and now he is reunited with our mother who is the one who taught us how to show that love and kindness to those around us. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 Surveillance video shows Balat buying a 20-foot consumer firework safety fuse in Pennsylvania on March 2, according to Phantom Fireworks. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
There’s something nice about a show that can be odd but also really connect with people. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026 The show will air reruns the week of April 6 for the Passover holiday. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • And, to honor the occasion, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Mucem), in Marseille, decided to display a guillotine in full view.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • French cheeses displayed in a store in Paris.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Investigators say that their preliminary findings revealed that the utility truck was turning left from the driveway of the Edison substation on Menifee Road when the collision occurred.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • No date revealed yet for the Hunt-Green merger.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Your generous heart shines brighter when your schedule reflects your soul rather than proving yourself at any cost.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As so many of his peers have run from that reality, Self is embracing the challenge, with precisely nothing left to prove.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Almost all quickly reunite with their ewes, and any that struggle are guided back.
    NPR, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026
  • After the game resumed, Matias Fernandez-Pardo delivered an assist and scored to guide his team to third place, nine points behind Lens.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The space, painted in murals by Inigma Productions, carries the familiar light furnishings from Mazi, but other furnishings and decor steer it toward a new personality.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • With anti-lock-brakes, use firm, steady pressure and gently steer.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Zeeshan later appeared in bond court facing a charge of assault with religious prejudice.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nancy Metayer Bowen appeared to be living her best life.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The mission, expected to last about 10 days, is a critical demonstration that NASA's Orion crew capsule can handle a lunar mission with humans aboard before a landing is attempted as early as 2028.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The 1,000 m² space overlooking the old port view will boast a large virtual production demonstration stage this year as well as booths and conference spaces.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Those are fighting words, and, in the coming days, the Pope can counter them as much through symbolic acts as through words of peace.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
  • For certain great artists, Meis believes, the creative act is a safe harbor where life’s pressures, exigencies, and calamities aren’t so much denied or resolved as reimagined as pictorial dramas.
    Jed Perl, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on show

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster