show
1 of 2verb
ˈshō 
showed ˈshōd ; shown ˈshōn or showed; showing
; shown ˈshōn or showed; showing transitive verb
1
: to cause or permit to be seen : exhibit
showed pictures of the baby
2
: to offer for sale
stores were showing new spring suits
3
: to present as a public spectacle : perform
4
: to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior
showed themselves to be cowards
5
: to give indication or record of
an anemometer shows wind speed
6
a
: to point out : direct attention to
showed the view from the terrace
b
: conduct, usher
showed me to an aisle seat
7
: accord, bestow
shows them no mercy
8
a
: to set forth : declare
b
: allege, plead —used especially in law
show cause
9
a
: to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning
show a plan to be faulty
b
: inform, instruct
showed me how to solve the problem
10
: to present (an animal) for judging in a show
intransitive verb
1
a
: to be or come in view
3:15 showed on the clock
b
: to put in an appearance
failed to show
2
a
: to appear in a particular way
anger showed in their faces
b
: seem, appear
3
a
: to give a theatrical performance
b
: to be staged or presented
4
a
: to appear as a contestant
b
: to present an animal in a show
5
: to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)
6
: to exhibit one's artistic work
showable
ˈshō-ə-bəl
adjective show
2 of 2noun
often attributive
1
: a demonstrative display
a show of strength
2
a
archaic : outward appearance
b
: a false semblance : pretense
made a show of friendship
c
: a more or less true appearance of something : sign
d
: an impressive display
his role as househusband … was purely for show—
John Lahr
John Lahr e
: ostentation
3
: chance sense 2
gave him a show in spite of his background
4
: something exhibited especially for wonder or ridicule : spectacle
5
a
: a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales
the national auto show
b
: a competitive exhibition of animals (such as dogs) to demonstrate quality in breeding
6
a
: a theatrical presentation
b
: 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
Ashley BarronA 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.
Wayne Glowka et al. also : a single episode of such a program
I've got time to watch one more show. —Michael Schneider
Michael Schneider c
: entertainment sense 1b(1)
7
: enterprise, affair
they ran the whole show
8
: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
9
often capitalized : the major leagues in baseball —used with the
Synonyms
Verb
- display
- disport
- exhibit
- expose
- flash
- flaunt
- lay out
- parade
- produce
- show off
- sport
- strut
- unveil
Noun
- demonstration
- display
- exhibition
- flaunting
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb You 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. You will have to show me how to play the game. He showed them a card trick. Definitions tell you the meanings of words; examples show you how the words are used. Noun She was the star of the show. The band always puts on a good show. a show of his early paintings See More
Recent Examples on the WebJud Newborn, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Feb. 2023 Of the remaining 13 buildings, DAS records show that 10 — including the main hospital building — either had their interiors inspected for asbestos or had all or part of the hazardous material removed. —Andrew Brown And Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2023 On either side, embellishing those rolling waves, are two mother-of-pearl inlay intricately cut to show the soaring herons and flowers often seen in old paintings. —Monica Kim, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023 Press for the rule, force members to show their cards, reap the benefits. —Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 17 Feb. 2023 A far cry from federal detention, he will be confined to a five-bedroom, three-bathroom house that is slightly more than 3,000 square feet on nearly an acre lot with a pool and a hot tub, records show. —Kiera Feldmanstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2023 He was convicted in 1991 of first-degree murder, armed robbery and armed burglary, Department of Corrections records show. —Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2023 Bryn Forbes, a former San Antonio Spurs player and currently an NBA free agent, was arrested on a family violence charge early Wednesday, court records show. —Taylor Pettaway, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Feb. 2023 In 2010, he was convicted of bribing a corrupt guard to smuggle him salami and other Italian treats into a Wisconsin federal prison, records show. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2023 Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Feb. 2023 Springsteen’s show at CFG Bank Arena won’t be his only Baltimore concert this year. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2023 As Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice and a beloved character of the Clone Wars series, Ahsoka’s show has been a long time coming for fans of the franchise. —Sydney Odman, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2023 The Cincinnati High School Sports Awards show is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country. —The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2023 But that show was a cumbersome beast with many moving parts. —Connor Ratliff, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2023 Despite being canceled nearly 16 years ago, the show is still around thanks to syndication. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2023 His last show was in November 2011 (Philbin died in July 2020 at the age of 88). —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023 The show has been a ratings powerhouse for HBO, garnering over 7 million viewers in one night as of its fourth episode airing. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 16 Feb. 2023 See More
Verb
Gestapo records show there was much more to the story. —Jud Newborn, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Feb. 2023 Of the remaining 13 buildings, DAS records show that 10 — including the main hospital building — either had their interiors inspected for asbestos or had all or part of the hazardous material removed. —Andrew Brown And Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2023 On either side, embellishing those rolling waves, are two mother-of-pearl inlay intricately cut to show the soaring herons and flowers often seen in old paintings. —Monica Kim, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023 Press for the rule, force members to show their cards, reap the benefits. —Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 17 Feb. 2023 A far cry from federal detention, he will be confined to a five-bedroom, three-bathroom house that is slightly more than 3,000 square feet on nearly an acre lot with a pool and a hot tub, records show. —Kiera Feldmanstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2023 He was convicted in 1991 of first-degree murder, armed robbery and armed burglary, Department of Corrections records show. —Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2023 Bryn Forbes, a former San Antonio Spurs player and currently an NBA free agent, was arrested on a family violence charge early Wednesday, court records show. —Taylor Pettaway, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Feb. 2023 In 2010, he was convicted of bribing a corrupt guard to smuggle him salami and other Italian treats into a Wisconsin federal prison, records show. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2023 Noun
Schools say there's no problem Find out who's performing in Indianapolis and beyond … not to mention how the show went. —Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Feb. 2023 Springsteen’s show at CFG Bank Arena won’t be his only Baltimore concert this year. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2023 As Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice and a beloved character of the Clone Wars series, Ahsoka’s show has been a long time coming for fans of the franchise. —Sydney Odman, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2023 The Cincinnati High School Sports Awards show is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country. —The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2023 But that show was a cumbersome beast with many moving parts. —Connor Ratliff, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2023 Despite being canceled nearly 16 years ago, the show is still around thanks to syndication. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2023 His last show was in November 2011 (Philbin died in July 2020 at the age of 88). —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023 The show has been a ratings powerhouse for HBO, garnering over 7 million viewers in one night as of its fourth episode airing. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 16 Feb. 2023 See More 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
12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Phrases Containing show
Kids Definition
show
1 of 2 verb ˈshō
showed; shown ˈshōn or showed; showing
or showed; showing 1
: to place in sight : present so as to be seen
2
: reveal sense 2
showed strong feeling
3
: to give from or as if from a position of authority
we'll show them no mercy
4
: teach sense 1, instruct
showed me a few chords on the guitar
5
: prove sense 2a
that shows we're right
6
: to give indication or record of
his grades show some improvement
7
: usher entry 2 sense 1, guide
showed them to a seat
8
: to be noticeable
the patch hardly shows
the determination showed in her face
9
: to present (an animal) for judging in a show
10
: to be third or at least third (as in a horse race)
show
2 of 2 noun1
: a display made for effect
a show of strength
2
a
: a false outward appearance
made a show of friendship
b
: a true indication : sign
a show of reason
3
: a ridiculous spectacle
4
: an entertainment or exhibition especially by performers (as on TV or the stage)
5
: a competitive exhibition (as of animals) to demonstrate quality
6
: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
Medical Definition
show
noun ˈshō
1
: a discharge of mucus streaked with blood from the vagina at the onset of labor
2
: the first appearance of blood in a menstrual period
Legal Definition
show
transitive verb showed; shown or showed; showing
: to demonstrate or establish by argument, reasoning, or evidence
must show a compelling need for the court action
show 1 of 2
verb
1
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention fishing for compliments, the neighbors showed their new SUV to everyone on the block Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- display
- exhibit
- unveil
- announce
- flash
- wave
- flaunt
- expose
- parade
- produce
- reveal
- show off
- strut
- proclaim
- advertise
- sport
- air
- broadcast
- post
- divulge
- discover
- lay out
- publicize
- flourish
- brandish
- bare
- herald
- uncover
- placard
- tell (of)
- disport
- trumpet
- sound
- unmask
- blaze
- talk (about)
- uncloak
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disguise
- mask
- hide
- cover
- camouflage
- conceal
- curtain
- obscure
- veil
- occlude
- occult
- shroud
- enshroud
2
as in to reveal
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly Synonyms & Similar Words
- reveal
- display
- demonstrate
- betray
- expose
- manifest
- communicate
- evince
- sound
- declare
- disclose
- announce
- give away
- air
- bare
- uncover
- proclaim
- broadcast
- advertise
- bespeak
- project
- publicize
- placard
- trumpet
- unbosom
- uncloak
- blaze
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- misrepresent
- belie
- distort
- falsify
- twist
- disguise
- hide
- cover
- camouflage
- conceal
- obscure
- mask
- gloss (over)
- veil
- occlude
- garble
- whitewash
- gild
- varnish
- counterfeit
3
as in to prove
to gain full recognition or acceptance of that shows we're right Synonyms & Similar Words
- prove
- demonstrate
- establish
- evidence
- confirm
- document
- substantiate
- verify
- justify
- support
- uphold
- sustain
- validate
- bear out
- attest
- corroborate
- authenticate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disprove
- refute
- invalidate
- rebut
- discredit
- confute
4
as in to guide
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed showed me how to play the guitar Synonyms & Similar Words
- guide
- accompany
- teach
- coach
- inform
- lead
- steer
- pilot
- mentor
- tutor
- see
- shepherd
- train
- escort
- counsel
- walk through
- engineer
- supervise
- direct
- attend
- school
- sway
- brief
- instruct
- enlighten
- drill
- convoy
- chaperone
- squire
- godfather
- oversee
- foster
- inculcate
- chaperon
- superintend
- cultivate
- nurture
- indoctrinate
5
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
- guide
- steer
- accompany
- lead
- usher
- direct
- conduct
- route
- pilot
- escort
- see
- marshal
- precede
- marshall
- attend
- control
- manage
- chaperone
- convoy
- chaperon
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- follow
- trail
- tail
- dog
- shadow
- hound
- tailgate
6
as in to appear
to come into view another car showed just as we were thinking we'd have the whole place to ourselves Synonyms & Similar Words
- appear
- unfold
- come
- arrive
- show up
- rise
- reappear
- come out
- materialize
- turn up
- loom
- happen
- emerge
- reappear
- surface
- debut
- occur
- erupt
- bulk
- issue
- arise
- break out
- break
- blossom
- resurface
- dawn
- outcrop
- shoot (up)
- rematerialize
- crop (up)
- bob (up)
- spring (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disappear
- vanish
- fade
- clear
- dissolve
- evaporate
- go (away)
- leave
- melt (away)
- withdraw
- depart
- retire
- evanesce
show
2 of 2noun
1
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
- display
- demonstration
- exhibition
- flaunting
- pose
- act
- simulation
- charade
- front
- facade
- semblance
- disclosure
- pretence
- pretense
- façade
- affectation
- betrayal
- sham
- put-on
- guise
2
as in act
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- act
- pose
- facade
- pretense
- guise
- airs
- charade
- front
- disguise
- masquerade
- appearance
- performance
- semblance
- cloak
- playacting
- pretext
- portrayal
- pretence
- image
- excuse
- façade
- put-on
- persona
- impersonation
- camouflage
- deception
- betrayal
- double cross
- duplicity
- gloss
- affectation
- fakery
- treachery
- color
- fraud
- deceit
- dissembling
- dissimulation
- falseness
- treason
- guile
- perfidy
- double-dealing
- falsity
- faithlessness
- infidelity
- unfaithfulness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sincerity
- candor
- frankness
- directness
- straightforwardness
- bluntness
- outspokenness
- plainspokenness
- forthrightness
- candidness
- genuineness
- artlessness
- naïveté
- openheartedness
- naiveté
- naivete
3
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication a false show of strength that fooled the enemy Synonyms & Similar Words
- appearance
- face
- effect
- impression
- seeming
- name
- display
- first blush
- demonstration
- outward
- semblance
- guise
- hint
- suggestion
- implication
- air
- resemblance
- representation
- pretense
- pose
- image
- simulation
- likeness
- mask
- surface
- front
- insinuation
- imitation
- cloak
- fiction
- masquerade
- facade
- disguise
- shape
- affectation
- exterior
- shell
- patina
- veneer
- pretence
- make-believe
- imposture
- gloss
- façade
- make-belief
- Potemkin village
4
as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a boat show at the convention center Synonyms & Similar Words
- exhibit
- display
- exhibition
- fair
- production
- expo
- presentation
- demonstration
- performance
- exposition
- auction
- offering
- sale
- extravaganza
- spectacle
- pageant
- presentment
Synonym Chooser
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
The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.
display sale items
The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.
exhibit paintings at a gallery
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
While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.
nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth
Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.
parading their piety for all to see