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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
More than 20 televisions will show football and sports with live music, pool tables and a central horseshoe bar. Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025 Striking a conciliatory tone, the People’s Daily said Monday the progress showed Beijing and Washington were capable of handling their differences. Bloomberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
At Collina Strada’s New York Fashion Week spring 2026 show, designer Hillary Taymour sent hairy beanies down the runway, while Schiaparelli and Simone Rocha have produced human hair accessories, neckties, and earrings. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025 Some shows have taken a more sympathetic approach. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • But in this case, the Nuggets might not have enough room on their books for Watson next summer, if avoiding the second apron remains a guiding principle for team ownership.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Many feature regions with differing mechanical properties, guiding robots with complex, adaptable movements.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After his 21 goals had helped steer John Mousinho’s side to the League One title the previous season, Bishop reported for pre-season in high spirits and in peak physical shape ahead of his first campaign in the Championship.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Investors ought to steer clear of Beyond Meat due to weakening consumer demand for alternative meat products, analysts from Mizuho said after the stock rocketed higher earlier this week.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Members of the committee from both political parties criticized Underly for choosing to accept an alumni award at Indiana University instead of appearing before the committee Thursday to answer questions about student safety for the public that have arisen because of the Capital Times reporting.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But for consumers, higher wages on paper do not appear to have eased the sting of rising prices, according to several recent surveys.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From computation to creation In one recent demonstration, an autonomous lab produced 41 new compounds in 17 days, all first proposed by AI.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Festivities also include face painting, sugar skull decorating and paper flower workshop along with a lowrider car show by the Callejeros de Encinitas Car Club, artist demonstrations, vendors and food truck.
    Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The film’s tonal balancing act — mixing absurdist humor with Anderson’s trademark intensity — seemed obviously comedic to casual awards observers, and the filmmakers, along with studio awards strategists, felt similarly.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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