Another Word for Show: 21 Synonyms with Examples
To show something is to let it be seen or to make it clear. In essays and reports it is often too plain, and a more exact verb says whether you are proving, revealing or simply displaying.
As a verb: make clear or prove
- demonstrate
- prove
- illustrate
- establish
- confirm
- indicate
As a verb: let something be seen
- reveal
- display
- present
- exhibit
- expose
- uncover
As a verb: lead or guide someone
- guide
- lead
- escort
- direct
- usher
As a noun: a performance or exhibition
- performance
- exhibition
- display
- presentation
- production
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- demonstrate
- Suggests showing something through evidence or a worked example. A good default in academic writing.
- prove
- Much stronger: the matter is settled beyond doubt. Use it only when the evidence really is conclusive.
- illustrate
- Shows by giving an example, picture or case, rather than by argument.
- reveal
- Implies that something was hidden or unknown until now.
- indicate
- Softer than show: the evidence points in a direction without settling it.
- display
- Puts something in view on purpose, often for others to look at.
Example sentences
- demonstrate: The pilot scheme demonstrated that shorter shifts reduced mistakes on the ward.
- illustrate: A single household budget illustrates how quickly small price rises add up.
- reveal: The interviews revealed a gap between what managers said and what staff experienced.
- indicate: Early results indicate a modest improvement, but the sample is still small.
- display: The museum displays the letters alongside the maps they refer to.
Opposite of show
- hide
- conceal
- obscure
- disprove
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “show”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: demo, testify, evidence
noun: appearance
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “show”?
The most useful alternatives are “demonstrate”, “prove”, “illustrate”, “establish”, “confirm”. For the main sense (make clear or prove), “demonstrate” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “demonstrate” and “prove”?
demonstrate: Suggests showing something through evidence or a worked example. A good default in academic writing. prove: Much stronger: the matter is settled beyond doubt. Use it only when the evidence really is conclusive.
What is the opposite of “show”?
Common antonyms are “hide”, “conceal”, “obscure”, “disprove”.