for show
idiom
1
: intended to be seen but not used or bought
We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show.
2
disapproving
: done in order to gain the approval or favor of others
He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show.
Examples of for show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But this was for show, deescalation training for bodega workers held not in an auditorium or sterile conference room but inside Moe’s Organic Grocery at E. 180th St. and Crotona Ave.
—
Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
Lovullo said after the game the theatrics were only for show.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025
However, there were a few bumps that could also suggest Trump’s gentler demeanor may have been fleeting, or more for show, rather than a genuine change.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 11 May 2025
In reality, any Saudi commitment would be mostly for show, because the kingdom is struggling with lower oil prices and domestic economic demands, and rarely delivers on such promises.
—Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
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.
Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
Lovullo said after the game the theatrics were only for show.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025
However, there were a few bumps that could also suggest Trump’s gentler demeanor may have been fleeting, or more for show, rather than a genuine change.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 11 May 2025
In reality, any Saudi commitment would be mostly for show, because the kingdom is struggling with lower oil prices and domestic economic demands, and rarely delivers on such promises.
—Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for for show
Cite this Entry
“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share