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
Russ leaves in all those scenes of Tyson telling him to change the subject just to show where his limits are. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 The season preview shows us a lot of kissing; here’s hoping people will act more sanely this year. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
For the rest of the show, Love sat in place, singing along but ceding his usual lead vocals and master of ceremonies roles to others. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Related Though local law enforcement swept Tulsa’s BOK Center and its surroundings and determined the threat was not credible on Friday, the show was still called off. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for show
Verb
  • Designed to be used, displayed, combined and gifted, the pieces blend everyday function with Ginori’s refined aesthetic, colorful palette and touches of gold.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In this photo illustration, the cryptocurrency electronic cash Bitcoin (BTC, BCH) logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an Artificial intelligence (AI) chip and symbol in the background.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Semafor reported in 2023 on extensive, leaked Iranian government communications that revealed Iranian attempts to influence US politics.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That’s what equity analysts were told Friday morning after Kering revealed the departure of the brand’s star designer Anthony Vaccarello.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Abid Aziz Merchant of Sanat Initiative, one of the film’s producers, said the French release proved the story could not be shut down.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Reese, who was the league’s defensive player of the year, came to Atlanta this offseason in a trade and proved to be a key reason the Dream advanced to the championship round.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The bank is being guided by its Indian workforce in the design of its local program.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The mindful alignment of body and mind is the guiding maxim of the spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Beijing has also steered state banks to provide financing to priority industries like electric vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While the system can accelerate, brake and steer, the human driver must supervise it at all times and remains responsible.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • If a message appears to come from the boss but something feels off, Cranor said, workers should verify it through another channel before responding.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Following his speech, the video of Parton played and the beloved icon appeared on screen, as brilliant as ever.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Fries are the single most convincing demonstration of what tallow does.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
  • His international demonstrations between winning gold and silver swimming medals at the 1912, 1920 and 1924 Olympics made surfing widely known.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At one point, Soulan points out that the crime of fuel-smuggling is minor compared to the barons profiting off the very same — and shouldn’t the motivation, the practical outcome of the act, count for something?
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The high-wire act that followed—in which performers had to make these bland conceits into something funny without, ostensibly, preparing any jokes in advance—introduced a tension that made sketch shows feel sedate and uneven by comparison.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/show. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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