DEMONSTRATE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'demonstrate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence , evince , manifest , and show . While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling. // demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Q: When would 'evidence' be a good substitute for 'demonstrate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate , evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something. // a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

Q: When might 'evince' be a better fit than 'demonstrate'?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs. // evinced not the slightest fear

Q: When could 'manifest' be used to replace 'demonstrate'?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation. // manifested musical ability at an early age

Q: When can 'show' be used instead of 'demonstrate'?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

demonstrate

verb

ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt

Definition of demonstrate

as in to prove

to gain full recognition or acceptance of you must demonstrate your scientific thesis before a jury of your professional peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to establish

to show the existence or truth of by evidence the paleontologist hopes to demonstrate that dinosaurs once existed in central Peru by unearthing the fossil evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the babysitter's actions during the emergency demonstrate beyond doubt her general dependability

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable a few striking facts should demonstrate the complex nature of our topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples the visiting physicist demonstrated very graphically several basic scientific principles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word demonstrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of demonstrate are evidence, evince, manifest, and show. While all these words mean "to reveal outwardly or make apparent," demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

When would evidence be a good substitute for demonstrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to demonstrate, evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

When might evince be a better fit than demonstrate?

The meanings of evince and demonstrate largely overlap; however, evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

When could manifest be used to replace demonstrate?

Although the words manifest and demonstrate have much in common, manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

When can show be used instead of demonstrate?

The words show and demonstrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of demonstrate These projects demonstrate that meaningful affordable housing can be built anywhere, even in high-cost neighborhoods, when government, nonprofits, and private developers work together. — David Schwartz, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 This is consistent with prior evidence that demonstrates needle exchanges can be key community partners in efforts to reduce syringe litter. — Paul Christine, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Jons, as demonstrated by her number of followers, has enjoyed success through her prank videos, and has also appeared on TV and attended various fashion shows. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Sharing lessons learned or advocating for better workplaces can demonstrate thoughtfulness and leadership. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonstrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demonstrate

Verb

Comfort and style aren’t oxymorons, and these pants prove it.

— Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Expressing positive sentiment, such as appreciation, also proved more effective than neutral or negative tones.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of prove

Verb

Its immediate goal is to establish pilot-scale production while continuing to develop partnerships across the fusion and advanced nuclear industries.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Once an account is established, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 per year until the year before the beneficiary turns 18.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

One of the questions, directed to David Hunt, director of finance for Entergy Arkansas, asks him to explain the reasoning for the classification of the payments.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Bernadette explains the racial nuances the Guardians might not know as newcomers to Earth, echoing the landmark 1971 Green Lantern/Green Arrow comic series, which attempts to bring the space cops down to Earth by exposing them to racial strife.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

As illustrated in this chart, following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February, both WTI crude oil prices and US retail gas prices surged in tandem.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The agreement also illustrates a challenge facing advanced nuclear developers.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

Booking information from Clark County Detention Center in Nevada shows Hughes in custody with no bail, with a hearing before a judge scheduled for Thursday morning.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
The arrest comes just over 24 hours after the NYPD released surveillance footage on Monday showing Guzman Soto slowly walking through the lobby of his mother’s apartment building wheeling a small suitcase.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of show

Verb

Aggregators and Suppliers Are Not the Same Thing A car rental aggregator is a platform that searches and displays inventory from multiple rental suppliers, allowing travelers to compare rates across dozens of providers at once.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Anyone displaying such pedestrian tastes would immediately be expelled from the room.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of display

Verb

In a statement, an Axel Springer spokesperson clarified that The Circuit was technically incorporated in the US, with staff located around the world.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Pabst also originally posted that a truck was stolen, though company officials later clarified no vehicle went missing.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of clarify

Browse Nearby Words

demonstrable

demonstrate

demonstrated

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“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demonstrate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of demonstrate

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