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
Yorleni Shoff was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, court records show. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026 Images from the scene showed a part of a four-story building reduced to a massive pile of rubble, with emergency workers on top of it. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
In the promo poster for the show, all actors are facing the camera, while he alone is stood in the middle facing the opposite way. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026 Just last month, the company’s broadcast syndication subsidiary, CBS Media Ventures, announced a slate of shows old and new that felt like a throwback. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • On Marathon Monday, the company stationed the robot at its 888 Boylston Street showroom in Boston, displaying it in front of thousands of runners from roughly 130 countries, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But the Kohler Foundation, recognizing his creations as powerful visuals of African American history and especially the experiences of Black veterans, purchased hundreds of pieces – documenting, displaying and distributing them to be appreciated across the country and beyond.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The figures had cracked in many places and some of the statues revealed their complicated armature.
    Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • White took to social media after Hokit's win to reveal that a matchup between Hokit and Derrick Lewis had been added to UFC Freedom 250.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After reviewing the case, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office and the Draper City Prosecutor have declined to file charges against Paul, citing insufficient evidence to prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • But while the civil court found the war crimes allegations were mostly proven on a balance of probabilities, the war crime murder charges would have to be proved in a criminal court to a higher standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The actors seem tuned to one another like musicians in an orchestra, and Romvari guides them through performances that feel neither overplayed or understated.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The newsletter aims to provide up-to-date information to guide plant care for the Chicago area, especially pest and disease control.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Their system can lift and steer objects in multiple directions with no physical contact.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Avoid washing dishes, showering, or bathing, and steer clear of washers and dryers, as they are linked to both plumbing and electrical systems and can provide a path for electricity through the dryer vent.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Reina Friedman Watts, who appears in the documentary as one of the former producers on The Jerry Springer Show, admits that background checks were not performed on contestants.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The Penguins' 11th overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, Ben Kindel, is set to become the youngest Penguins player to appear in a Stanley Cup Playoff game since Jordan Staal in 2007.
    Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In 2003, as Iran’s national police chief, Ghalibaf played a central role in the violent clampdown on student demonstrations.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Join experienced plant propagators for a live demonstration in starting plants from seeds, cuttings and kitchen scraps.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jimmie Fowlie and Ceara O’Sullivan’s script relies on formulaic coming-of-age beats before drifting unexpectedly into absurdism in the third act.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The filing alleges Hayes fired without warning and that Avery did not pose an immediate threat, was not advancing toward anyone, and was not engaging in any violent act at the time.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 23 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