1
as in to horse around
to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior
the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention
she just wants to show off her new jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in hotshot
informal + disapproving
a person who tries to impress other people with his or her abilities or possessions
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of show off
Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Gibson showed off impressive speed and game-breaking ability in the second half of last season.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025
Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
This one-of-a-kind cultural exchange program invites visitors to come into the homes of vetted, welcoming locals, who are likewise looking to meet travelers and show-off what their country has to offer in a unique way — and maybe just make a few new lifelong friendships along the way.
—Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for show off
Verb
The Maldives also has 105 islands hosting high-end resorts that show off the country’s turquoise sea and powdery white beaches—and the overwater and beachfront villas that guests stay in.
—Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Gibson showed off impressive speed and game-breaking ability in the second half of last season.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025
Noun
This was my chance to not be an actor, not have that stink of being an actor, that egotistical, show-off, controlling, making choices, being clever part of being an actor.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
This one-of-a-kind cultural exchange program invites visitors to come into the homes of vetted, welcoming locals, who are likewise looking to meet travelers and show-off what their country has to offer in a unique way — and maybe just make a few new lifelong friendships along the way.
—Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for show off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show off
Verb
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Running or horsing around with sparklers can also cause injuries and burns when users trip and fall.—
Justin Laube,
EverydayHealth.com,
2 July 2025
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Umberto Rispoli squeezed between horses around the top of the stretch and then rode Journalism to a tremendous rally.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Often mistaken for king snakes or milk snakes, coral snakes display distinctive red, yellow, and black rings encircling their bodies.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
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These products are perfect for displaying on a mantel or placing by a bowl of Halloween candy.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Idris, meanwhile, plays the young new hotshot driver, Joshua Pearce, who wears more youthful streetwear clothes.—
Leigh Nordstrom,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
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One hotshot crew and two Type 2 IA crews remain on the fire today with support from aerial resources.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
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But the Idaho Department of Education, State Board of Education, and colleges and universities will have to identify spending cuts up to 6%.—
Ryan Suppe,
Idaho Statesman,
18 June 2025
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And in order to maintain a nutritious balance to each of these meals, consider adding cut up vegetables (like celery or carrots) or fruit (strawberries or blueberries are easy options) to the plate.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Play the Long Game: His 23-year tenure as principal and 40-year term as a councilman show that lasting change is a marathon, not a sprint.—
Stephanie Tharpe,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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The first video, posted on July 23, shows the family jumping over a phone in the airport and landing their feet on a Hawaiian beach.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Those have come from two players: Adrian Morejon of the San Diego Padres, who throws an odd knuckleball-changeup hybrid about 1 percent of the time, and Jonah Bride of the Minnesota Twins, an infielder fooling around with the knuckler in blowouts.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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As Molly and Guy start to fool around, things get hot and heavy, but Ernie has a job to do.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Back on Downton Abbey, the Gilded Age’s creator, Julian Fellowes, exhibited a strong interest in doing away with characters on the road.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
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Analyzing the past five years of data, UNH stock has exhibited a trend of positive one-day returns after earnings announcements in 53% of cases.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Celebrity deaths 2025: Remembering the stars who've died this year Chris Robinson, 'General Hospital' and 'Bold and the Beautiful' star, dies at 86 His appearance in a single episode of Frasier, as wise guy Jerome Balasco, earned Yulin an Emmy nomination.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
11 June 2025
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And for the most part, the wise guys weren't overly impressed with the Green Bay Packers’ offseason.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Show off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show%20off. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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