Another word for demonstrate
The best other words for demonstrate are corroborate, demonstrate for, protest and show.
- Most formal
- corroborate, substantiate, elucidate
- Strongest
- prove, establish, verify
- Casual
- walk through
- Instead of “clearly demonstrate”
- show, prove, make clear
Demonstrate /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt/ (verb): to show clearly that something is true, or to explain how something works by giving evidence or an example. In simple words: show something clearly or teach how to do it. Below are 20 rated synonyms across 3 senses, plus 29 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
20 synonyms shown
Show clearly · verb
make something evident or prove it
Show how · verb
explain or illustrate by example
Publicly show · verb
take part in a public protest or display
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- confirm — less analytical; means support or make certain
- show — broader and less forceful than demonstrate
- prove — emphasizes establishing truth more strongly
The dashed ring marks “demonstrate” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for demonstrate in your sentence
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How to choose
Use demonstrate when you want to stress clear evidence, a worked example, or an actual public display. In everyday writing, show or explain is often simpler; in academic prose, substantiate, corroborate, or elucidate may fit better depending on whether you mean proof or explanation.
Antonyms of demonstrate
- hide
- conceal
- obscure
- disprove
- refute
- contradict
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| show | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| prove | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| establish | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| verify | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| confirm | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| corroborate | 3/5 | academic | academic, business |
| substantiate | 3/5 | academic | academic, business |
| validate | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| illustrate | 2/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| explain | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| clarify | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| elucidate | 2/5 | academic | academic |
| expound | 2/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| walk through | 2/5 | casual | business, casual |
| demonstrate for | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| protest | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| march | 3/5 | neutral | casual, academic |
| rally | 3/5 | neutral | casual, business |
| parade | 2/5 | neutral | casual, creative |
| display | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
Instead of “very demonstrate”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| clearly demonstrate | show, prove, make clear |
| demonstrate how | show how, teach, walk through |
| demonstrate that | show that, prove that, make clear that |
More words related to demonstrate
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “demonstrate”.
- make clear
- indicate
- signal
- reveal
- disclose
- manifest
- evidence
- attest
- support
- argue
- present
- illustrate with an example
- exemplify
- walk someone through
- give a demo of
- show how
- teach
- train
- coach
- instruct
- advertise
- dramatize
- make plain
- point out
- bring out
- lay out
- spell out
- showcase
- feature
Questions about synonyms for demonstrate
What is the most formal or academic synonym for demonstrate?
Corroborate and substantiate are among the most formal choices when you mean to support a claim with evidence. Elucidate is the most formal option when you mean to explain clearly rather than prove something.
What is a stronger or milder alternative to demonstrate?
Prove is stronger than demonstrate because it suggests a firmer conclusion. Show is milder and broader, and often works better in plain, everyday English.
Can demonstrate mean to teach or explain how to do something?
Yes. In that sense, it often means to show a process step by step, especially with a tool, device, or method. Common alternatives are illustrate, explain, and walk through.
What is a more academic word for demonstrate?
In formal writing, people often use prove, establish, or substantiate, depending on the context. If you mean “show by evidence,” establish and substantiate are especially common.
What is another word for demonstrate when you mean “teach how to do something”?
Common alternatives are show, explain, and walk someone through. In a classroom or product setting, demo and illustrate can also work depending on the context.