Est. 1828

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DictionaryDefinition

show

1 of 2

verb

ˈshō

showed ˈshōd ; shown ˈshōn or showed; showing

Synonyms of show

transitive verb

: to cause or permit to be seen : exhibit

showed pictures of the baby

: to offer for sale

stores were showing new spring suits

: to present as a public spectacle : perform

: to reveal by one’s condition, nature, or behavior

showed themselves to be cowards

: to give indication or record of

an anemometer shows wind speed

: to point out : direct attention to

showed the view from the terrace

: conduct, usher

showed me to an aisle seat

: accord, bestow

shows them no mercy

: to set forth : declare

: allege, plead —used especially in law

show cause

: to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning

show a plan to be faulty

: inform, instruct

showed me how to solve the problem

: to present (an animal) for judging in a show

intransitive verb

: to be or come in view

3:15 showed on the clock

: to put in an appearance

failed to show

: to appear in a particular way

anger showed in their faces

: seem, appear

: to give a theatrical performance

: to be staged or presented

: to appear as a contestant

: to present an animal in a show

: to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)

: to exhibit one’s artistic work

showable

ˈshō-ə-bəl

adjective

show2 of 2

noun

often attributive

: a demonstrative display

a show of strength

archaic : outward appearance

: a false semblance : pretense

made a show of friendship

: a more or less true appearance of something : sign

: an impressive display

his role as househusband … was purely for show—John Lahr

: ostentation

: chance sense 2

gave him a show in spite of his background

: something exhibited especially for wonder or ridicule : spectacle

: a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales

the national auto show

: a competitive exhibition of animals (such as dogs) to demonstrate quality in breeding

: a theatrical presentation

: a regularly distributed program (as on radio, television, or the Internet)

She likes to watch “Unwrapped,” a Food Network show that goes behind the scenes in the food industry.—Ashley Barron

A month ago, the only podcast was “Trade Secrets,” a daily news and technology talk show co-hosted by podcasting’s pioneers: former MTV VJ Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer.—Wayne Glowka et al.

also : a single episode of such a program

I’ve got time to watch one more show.—Michael Schneider

: entertainment sense 1b(1)

: enterprise, affair

they ran the whole show

: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)

often capitalized : the major leagues in baseball —used with the

Phrases

show one’s hand or less commonly show one’s cards

: to display one’s cards faceup

: to declare one’s intentions or reveal one’s resources

show one the door

: to tell someone to get out

also : fire sense 2b

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Synonyms

Verb

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Choose the Right Synonym for show

show, exhibit, display, expose, parade, flaunt 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

exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent.

show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Examples of show in a Sentence

VerbYou have to show your tickets at the gate.You’re the only person that I’ve shown this letter to.They showed the theory to be faulty.See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Recent studies have shown some hurricanes are soaking up more moisture from the warming Gulf of Mexico, further enhancing rainfall totals.—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2024Murals are a captivating way to represent a city’s people and show all the best a locale has to offer.—Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 28 Sep. 2024

Noun

The show is also available to stream on Paramount+, live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs.—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024Jean Smart hosted the season 50 premiere of NBC’s sketch comedy show with musical guest Jelly Roll.—Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Sep. 2024See all Example Sentences for show

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘show.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English scēawian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouwōn to look, look at, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on one’s guard

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of show was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century