Home / Synonyms / show

Another word for show

Show (verb, noun): to make something visible, apparent, or known, or an event that displays or presents something to an audience. Below are 22 synonyms across 4 senses. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.

Most formal: evince, present, exhibitStrongest: expose, betray, evince

Writing for

25 synonyms shown

Chip depth = intensity (mild → extreme) dots = formality (slang → academic)

Make visible · verb

cause to be seen or noticed

Express an emotion · verb

let feelings, attitude, or reaction be seen

Televised entertainment · noun

a public performance or entertainment program

Showing of interest · noun

a display of support, effort, or emotion

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.

displaypresentrevealexhibitexposedemonstrateindicate
milderintensity →stronger
formal ↑

You asked for: equal strength, neutral register

  1. display — more deliberate and public than show
  2. present — focuses on formal presentation
  3. exhibit — formal, often for public or planned display

The dashed ring marks “show” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.

Synonyms for show in your sentence

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How to choose

Choose the synonym that matches both the kind of showing and the level of formality. In writing, avoid repeating show when a more exact verb like reveal, demonstrate, or display fits the context better.

Antonyms of show

All synonyms at a glance

SynonymStrengthFormalityBest for
display3/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
present3/5formalacademic, business, creative
reveal3/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
exhibit3/5formalacademic, business, creative
expose4/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
demonstrate3/5formalacademic, business, creative
indicate2/5formalacademic, business
betray4/5neutralacademic, business, creative
evince4/5academicacademic, business, creative
radiate4/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
emote3/5casualcreative, casual
program3/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
performance3/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
production3/5formalacademic, business, creative
spectacle4/5formalacademic, business, creative
event2/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
production number3/5neutralcreative, casual
gala3/5formalacademic, business, creative
demonstration3/5formalacademic, business, creative
outpouring4/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual
show of hands2/5neutralbusiness, casual
showing2/5neutralacademic, business, creative, casual

Questions about synonyms for show

What is the most formal or academic alternative to show?

That depends on the sense, but exhibit, demonstrate, and evince are among the most formal options. Evince is especially literary or academic, while demonstrate is the most common formal choice for evidence or proof.

What is a stronger or milder alternative to show?

Reveal and expose are stronger because they imply uncovering something hidden; indicate is milder because it only suggests or points to something. Choose based on how certain or forceful you want the statement to sound.

When should I use show versus display or present?

Use show in ordinary speech and in broad contexts. Use display for deliberate public visibility, and present for a more structured or formal act of putting something forward.

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