1
as in to prove
to gain full recognition or acceptance of you must demonstrate your scientific thesis before a jury of your professional peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word demonstrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence, evince, manifest, and show. While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

When would evidence be a good substitute for demonstrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate, evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

When might evince be a better fit than demonstrate?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

When could manifest be used to replace demonstrate?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

When can show be used instead of demonstrate?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

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 demonstrate Upstairs, Justus demonstrated how the large exterior windows crank open, allowing the fall air and sound of cars whizzing down Main Street to spill in. Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 Attorneys told Public Investigator that Kaplan's story demonstrates the importance of developing a clear plan for returning to work while managing a disability. Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Parishes looking to build a columbarium must first demonstrate self-sustainability and the ability to match parish supply and demand of niches over the next 200 years, Casey said. Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025 In all three sets, the Bulldogs (15-4) held leads of seven, five, and four but Kelly said the Cardinals have demonstrated an ability to crawl back all season. Zachary McMahon, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate
Verb
  • Few people have mastered the art of quietly luxurious style as well as Gwyneth Paltrow, and a quick scroll through her Instagram page proves it.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Regulating sports wagering has proven to be a challenge — and experts warn about the ramifications for gamblers who typically lose money.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While several states have passed bills to establish year-round daylight saving time, any changes require federal action.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Because Moreno was not yet established, the Diamondbacks wanted an everyday outfielder in Gurriel, too.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Moore’s journey reveals how Black Nationalism emerged not simply as a rejection of American ideals, but as a demand for their true fulfillment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • One post on the platform included a screenshot of a season 4 scene where Will uses a conversation about Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) to reveal his true feelings for Mike.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His goal to seal the win against Italy — a lung-busting run and cultured finish in the dying moments — helped to illustrate the impressive engine at the heart of Cremaschi’s game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Those statements, which emphasized the teams’ conversations with officials in both states, illustrated that locations in Missouri and Kansas were still in the mix months after both states approved sweeping incentives packages to secure them.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • SACs produced from plastic waste showed excellent performance in breaking down diverse micropollutants in water and in boosting clean-energy technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Records show Wauwatosa police gave Lauren Spors a ride to South 27th Street and West Ramsey Avenue, a few blocks from her mother’s house, and dropped her off.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One slide showed framed photos of the couple's wedding displayed on shelves.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The Dodgers two-way star displayed his greatness in the National League Championship Series, a performance that featured three home runs and six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts from Ohtani.
    Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Responding to one analyst who believed the closing of the Versace deal was complete, Guerra clarified that the transaction is not closed.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The report does not clarify if this will lead to widespread layoffs.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demonstrate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demonstrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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