Definition of shownext
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as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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show

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noun

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as in display
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of show are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and parade. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use display instead of show?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for show?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When might expose be a better fit than show?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When can flaunt be used instead of show?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Where would parade be a reasonable alternative to show?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

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 show
Verb
Dramatic footage shows a torrent of water hitting at the Nepal-China border. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Independent monitor reports from June 22 to July 3 show that as a result of staffing issues, administrators paused admission of new patients. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
The song, famously written by Parton as an emotional farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner and his show, topped the country chart in 1974. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 The show became a global phenomenon in the hands of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and producer Andy Wilman. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
Verb
  • The live ceremony will also reveal winners in categories spanning film, television and commercial work.
    Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Sussexes’ return to the UK after living in the United States for the past six years was revealed last week.
    Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • However, the company is now guiding to full-year constant-currency revenue growth of 11%, down from a previous range of 10% to 11%.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Ask the question, take the pause, and let honest self-awareness guide the next conversation.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • A lot of marquee names from the last hiring cycle are just now settling into their new digs, so some of these once-proud programs might have to find their next captain to steer the ship from some unlikely places.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Even last season, Moyes headed into the campaign with the immediate aim of quickly steering the side away from another scrap at the wrong end of the table.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, for the rest of the game, Brianna Turner and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are closer to centers; Turner has offensive limitations while Hammon doesn’t appear to trust Parker-Tyus’ defense.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • While this figure appears to add a bright spot to an otherwise weak employment report, the underlying cause is far from encouraging.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Kupsh was arrested at a June 2024 demonstration but never criminally charged.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Full demonstration ahead The Phase II program will run for 30 months.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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