Another word for show
The best other words for show are display, production, demonstration and present.
- Most formal
- evince, present, exhibit
- Strongest
- expose, betray, evince
- Casual
- emote
- Instead of “show interest”
- care, attention, concern
Show /ʃoʊ/ (verb, noun): to make something visible, apparent, or known, or an event that displays or presents something to an audience. In simple words: make something visible or let people see it. Below are 22 rated synonyms across 4 senses, plus 33 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
25 synonyms shown
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.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- display — more deliberate and public than show
- present — focuses on formal presentation
- 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
- hide
- conceal
- cover
- mask
- disguise
- suppress
- withhold
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| display | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| present | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| reveal | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| exhibit | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| expose | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| demonstrate | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| indicate | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| betray | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative |
| evince | 4/5 | academic | academic, business, creative |
| radiate | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| emote | 3/5 | casual | creative, casual |
| program | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| performance | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| production | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| spectacle | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| event | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| production number | 3/5 | neutral | creative, casual |
| gala | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| demonstration | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| outpouring | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| show of hands | 2/5 | neutral | business, casual |
| showing | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
Instead of “very show”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| show interest | care, attention, concern |
| show emotion | express, feel, react |
| show on TV | air, broadcast, telecast |
More words related to show
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “show”.
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.
What is a stronger word for show?
It depends on the meaning. For making something visible, words like "display" or "reveal" are often stronger; for expressing feeling, "express" or "demonstrate" can work better.
What can I say instead of show interest?
Common alternatives are "express interest," "demonstrate interest," or simply "be interested." In casual speech, you can also say "care" or "pay attention."