Synonyms for Show

Updated 2026-10-03 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Looking for synonyms for show? This guide provides a comprehensive list of words that mean to display, demonstrate, or reveal. We group these terms by tone and strength so you can choose the perfect fit for your specific context, whether you are writing a formal report or a casual message.

Closest Synonyms for Show

Display: To arrange items for people to see. The museum will display ancient artifacts next week.
Demonstrate: To show how something works or is done. The instructor will demonstrate the correct technique for mixing concrete.
Exhibit: To present items for public viewing or inspection. The gallery will exhibit new paintings starting Monday morning.
Reveal: To make known or visible what was hidden. The detective will reveal the suspect during the press conference.
Present: To offer for consideration or viewing. The student will present her science project to the class.
Illustrate: To explain or clarify by using examples. The chart will illustrate the growth in sales over time.
Manifest: To show clearly through signs or symptoms. Her confidence began to manifest as she gained more experience.
Portray: To show or represent in a particular way. The actor will portray the lead character in the new film.
Explain: To make clear by describing in detail. Please explain why the deadline was missed during the meeting.
Unveil: To reveal something previously secret or unknown. The company will unveil its new product line at the expo.
Depict: To show or represent by means of a picture. The painting will depict a serene mountain landscape at dawn.

Formal Synonyms for Show

Evince: A sophisticated term for showing feelings or traits. Her speech will evince a deep commitment to environmental conservation.
Substantiate: To provide evidence for a claim. You must substantiate your arguments with credible data and sources.
Corroborate: To confirm or support with evidence. The witness will corroborate the timeline of events during the trial.
Elucidate: To make clear by explaining. The professor will elucidate the complex theory in the next lecture.
Underscore: To emphasize or highlight importance. The data will underscore the need for immediate regulatory changes.
Indicate: To point out or suggest as a likely possibility, for example when a map indicates the location of the nearest gas station.

Informal Synonyms for Show

Show off: To display proudly, often to impress others. He likes to show off his new car to his friends.
Flash: To display briefly or suddenly. She will flash her ID card at the security guard.
Put on: To present a performance or event. The team will put on a fun play for the holidays.
Bring out: To make a quality visible or apparent. The sunlight will bring out the blue in her eyes.
Give away: To reveal accidentally or intentionally. His nervous smile will give away his true feelings.
Lay out: To present information clearly. Please lay out your plans for the weekend trip.
Point out: To direct attention to something. Can you point out the error in this calculation?
Run down: To give a quick summary or list. He will run down the main points of the meeting.
Spell out: To explain in great detail. Please spell out the instructions for the new software.

Stronger and Weaker Words

Expose: Stronger. Use when revealing something hidden or secret, often with negative connotations. The journalist will expose the corruption in the city government.
Hint: Weaker. Use for subtle or indirect indication. She will hint at her plans for the future without details.
Prove: Stronger. Use when demonstrating truth beyond doubt. The data will prove the theory is correct.
Suggest: Weaker. Use for implying without confirming. The report will suggest a possible solution to the problem.
Uncover: Stronger. Use for discovering something previously hidden. Detectives will uncover new evidence at the scene.
Imply: Weaker. Use for suggesting without stating directly. His tone will imply dissatisfaction with the results.
Glimpse: Weaker than show because it refers to seeing something only for a brief moment or partially, lacking the completeness of a full display.
Sketch: Weaker than show because it provides only a rough outline or brief description rather than a detailed presentation.

Antonyms for Show

Hide
Conceal
Obfuscate
Suppress
Mask
Veil
Camouflage
Obscure
Cover up
Seclude

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the right synonym for show depends on your context and audience. For formal writing, use words like exhibit or demonstrate to convey professionalism. In casual conversation, flash or show off might fit better. Consider the strength of the action; use expose for dramatic revelations and hint for subtle suggestions. Always ensure the word matches the tone you wish to achieve.

Best Synonym by Situation

In a formal business proposal: Present: The consultant will present the quarterly findings at noon.
On an academic resume: Demonstrate: I demonstrate proficiency in statistical modeling and data analysis.
During a theater performance: Stage: The local troupe decides to stage a modern adaptation of Hamlet.
In a scientific paper: Illustrate: Figure three illustrates the correlation between temperature and growth.
When revealing a secret: Disclose: The whistleblower chose to disclose the internal documents to the press.
In a legal argument: Substantiate: The attorney must substantiate these claims with concrete evidence.
While giving a tour: Guide: The curator will guide visitors through the new wing of the museum.
In a creative writing piece: Portray: The author portrays the city as a character full of secrets.
When displaying art: Exhibit: The gallery plans to exhibit the paintings until the end of the month.
In a technical manual: Depict: This diagram depicts the internal wiring of the device.

Example Sentences

The magician will reveal the location of the missing card in the next trick.
We need to exhibit our best behavior during the international conference.
Her smile betrayed the excitement she tried to hide.
The documentary aims to expose the corruption within the industry.
He demonstrated his skills by solving the complex puzzle in seconds.
The museum will showcase rare artifacts from the ancient civilization.
Please indicate your preference on the attached survey form.
The data suggests a strong correlation between the two variables.
The director decided to put on a play that resonates with modern audiences.
The witness will testify to show what happened that night.

Related Phrases and Idioms

Show one's hand: To reveal one's true intentions or resources before the optimal moment.
Put on a show: To create a dramatic display or performance for an audience.
Show the ropes: To teach someone how to do a particular task or job.
Show one's colors: To reveal one's true character or allegiances.
Show the door: To tell someone to leave a place or group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best synonym for show in a business context?

Present or demonstrate are excellent choices for business settings. They convey professionalism and clarity when discussing projects, data, or strategies to colleagues and clients during meetings.

Can I use display as a synonym for show emotions?

Yes, display works well for emotions. It suggests an outward manifestation of feelings. For example, you might say someone displays anger or joy, making it suitable for descriptive writing or psychological contexts.

Is reveal stronger than show?

Yes, reveal is generally stronger than show. It implies uncovering something that was previously hidden or secret. Use reveal when you want to emphasize the act of making something known that was not visible before.

What is the opposite of show in a visual context?

Hide or conceal are the best opposites in a visual context. They imply making something unseen or difficult to perceive. Use these words when describing actions that prevent an object or person from being viewed.