Show — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈshō/

Meaning & Definition of Show

Show (verb)

  1. to cause or permit to be seen, exhibit
  2. to offer for sale
  3. to present as a public spectacle, perform

Show (noun)

  1. an act or instance of showing or displaying something, as
  2. a demonstrative display
  3. an outward demonstration or sign (as of one's feelings); also, pretense

Show (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to present so as to invite notice or attention

    "fishing for compliments, the neighbors showed their new SUV to everyone on the block"

  2. to make known (something abstract) through outward signs

    "the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly"

  3. to gain full recognition or acceptance of

    "that shows we're right"

    opposite: disprove
  4. to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed

    "showed me how to play the guitar"

  5. to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front

    "showed them the way to get home"

    opposite: follow, trail
  6. to come into view

    "another car showed just as we were thinking we'd have the whole place to ourselves"

Show (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

  2. a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive

    "her concern for the less fortunate is all just a big show"

  3. outward and often deceptive indication

    "a false show of strength that fooled the enemy"

  4. a public showing of objects of interest

    "a boat show at the convention center"

Related Entry: Show-me (adjective)

Show-me is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show-me, not for show.

  1. inclined to doubt or question claims

    "the financial scandals may lead investors to take a more show-me attitude toward reported corporate earnings"

Related Entry: Show off (verb)

Show off is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show off, not for show.

  1. to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior

    "the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started"

  2. to present so as to invite notice or attention

    "she just wants to show off her new jewelry"

Related Entry: Show up (verb)

Show up is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show up, not for show.

  1. to come into view

    "normally, one doesn't see them, but the actress's wrinkles show up in the close-ups"

  2. to get to a destination

    "the band showed up an hour late"

    opposite: go, leave
  3. to reveal the true nature of

    "were shown up for what they really are"

Related Entry: Show-off (noun)

Show-off is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show-off, not for show.

  1. a person who tries to impress other people with his or her abilities or possessions

Related Entry: Show (someone) the door (phrase)

Show (someone) the door is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show (someone) the door, not for show.

  1. to let go from office, service, or employment

    "They showed him the door once the allegations had been confirmed."

Related Entry: Show bill (noun)

Show bill is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show bill, not for show.

  1. as in flyer, handout

Related Entry: Show bills (noun)

Show bills is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show bills, not for show.

  1. as in flyers, handouts

Related Entry: Show business (noun)

Show business is a different word from Show. The synonyms below are for show business, not for show.

  1. as in nightlife

  2. as in showbiz

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Show

The most common words with a similar meaning to Show:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Show

Words with the opposite meaning of Show:

Near Antonyms of Show

Word Forms of Show

Inflections: showed, shown, showing

Derived words: showable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Show

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: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Show

Words & Phrases Containing Show

Frequently Asked Questions about Show

What does "Show" mean?

"Show" means to cause or permit to be seen, exhibit. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to cause or permit to be seen, exhibit. It has 10 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Show"?

Other words for "Show" include display, disport, exhibit, expose, flash, flaunt, lay out and parade. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Show" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Show"?

There are 227 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Show". Common alternatives include display, disport, exhibit, expose, flash, flaunt, lay out, parade, produce and show off.

What is the opposite of "Show"?

Antonyms of "Show" include disprove, follow, trail, clear, disappear, dissolve, evanesce and evaporate. Near antonyms include camouflage, disguise, mask and conceal.

How do you use "Show" in a sentence?

Examples of "Show" in a sentence: "fishing for compliments, the neighbors showed their new SUV to everyone on the block"; "the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly"; "that shows we're right".

Is "Show" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Show" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Show" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Show" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Show"?

"Show" is pronounced /ˈshō/.