show up
verb
showed up; shown up or showed up; showing up; shows up
1
: to expose or discredit especially by revealing faults
showed them up as frauds
… it showed him up for the irrelevant and offensive person he really is …—Owen Bennett
2
: to embarrass or cause to look bad especially by comparison
trying to show up the boss
The offensive line has been sub par with the defensive line showing them up for at least a few days.—James Anderson
3
: reveal
showed up my ignorance
1
b
: to become involved with others and make an active contribution
But what we have to remind ourselves, and each other, is that our democracy only works for us if we show up.—America Ferrera
also
: to provide help and support for someone
If you're in a position to defend and protect someone who is a victim of abuse, then do it … Show up for them. —Sa'iyda Shabazz
2
: to be plainly evident
… [Woody Hayes] cared so much about people. That showed up in the way he did things in the community, the way he lent his name to charity events.—Kyle Rowland
Cite this Entry
“Show up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show%20up. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
