Definition of shownext
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as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
Gyllenhaal will be in town with her short film Flesh Impact, created to commemorate the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, which will be shown as a Special Screening. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 The supply shortage for memory and components shows few signs of abating, signaling that gadgets may be more expensive going forward, permanently changing demand patterns and competition. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
A number of artists who will be present at the fair have institutional solo exhibitions taking place this year, or are participating in major international shows. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Working titled Jaq, the show will shoot next year and is part of a wider expansion of the Top Boy universe, with Barry Keoghan returning as Irish mobster Jonny McGee in prequel Jonny Boy. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Aggregators and Suppliers Are Not the Same Thing A car rental aggregator is a platform that searches and displays inventory from multiple rental suppliers, allowing travelers to compare rates across dozens of providers at once.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone displaying such pedestrian tastes would immediately be expelled from the room.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With Howe stepping down and Matthias Jaissle, the 38-year-old German, replacing him, and with plans finally revealed for a new £190m training ground, Newcastle have embraced the shock of the new.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Very little has been revealed about The Batman Part II‘s plot.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Comfort and style aren’t oxymorons, and these pants prove it.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Expressing positive sentiment, such as appreciation, also proved more effective than neutral or negative tones.
    Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When the Sox were at Camden Yards in April, Tracy had to be guided to the manager’s office.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Look at how competitors communicate their value, answer customer questions, appear in search, structure digital journeys and guide prospects toward conversion.
    James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The team designed miniature boats with three cavities tuned to different audible frequencies, enabling them to steer the boat in a particular direction by changing the frequency of the sound waves from a speaker.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • However, an iceberg is sustained and steered by the 90% buried beneath the surface.
    Natalie Grabher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Matt Bevin has missed several court dates in the case and did not attend the May 29 hearing in person as required by the judge, appearing via Zoom instead.
    Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Cell phone video later obtained by media outlets also appeared to conflict with Castro's description of the encounter.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Kupsh was arrested at a June 2024 demonstration but never criminally charged.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Full demonstration ahead The Phase II program will run for 30 months.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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