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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
Recent polls have shown that Trump's handling of the economy is a key factor in his declining popularity on a national level. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 Before examining the film to show what went wrong, UCLA starts every practice with everything that went right. Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
Tommy is the person to bring up that subject more than anyone else on the show, because Buck is unnaturally dependent on his friendship with Eddie. Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025 The panel went over the evolution of certain elements of the show, including the characters. Abigail Lee, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Dimon displays this principle by strengthening key relationships and positioning himself in a position of growth and development through frequent business travel and getting out of the office as much as possible.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Exploring the veritable labyrinth of luxury—past the couture salon displaying Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent treasures, the jewel-box bathrooms, and down the spiral staircase—guests eventually arrived at the storied Red Room.
    Freya Drohan, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • No details regarding the illness have been revealed.
    Jacob Lev, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Despite her recent accolades — including Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards — the actor revealed persistent struggles with self-confidence.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • However, in practice, enforcing VAT compliance for B2B services has proven difficult.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Ellie Kemper is here to prove that it's never been easier to step out in style.
    Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Residents want city planners to take notice and be a guiding hand for new investment in their community — especially since landmarks such as Puckett’s and Gary’s Barber Shop, which served the community for 59 years, will be or are already gone.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Lenexa wants approval now to ensure ongoing funding for its Capital Improvement Program, a plan that helps guide city projects in five-year increments — with the next five-year increment running from 2025 until 2029, Sayers said.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Borg-Warner Trophy appeared in Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time in 1936, when Louis Meyer became the first three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Chiu also wore a white Chanel cap that covered most of her hair, which appeared short in photos.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Last May, students barricaded themselves inside the building—after dedicating it to the famed Palestinian painter who died in 2024 following unsuccessful appeals for a medical evacuation from Gaza— amid a rising wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations on college campuses across the United States.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While there have been small protests calling for an end to the war in Gaza, Tuesday’s demonstration appeared to be the biggest since the start of the current conflict.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • George Michael’s many acts of generosity, often conducted under condition of anonymity, have come to light since the star’s death in 2016.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Opening acts in select cities include Marshmello, The All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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