What Is Another Word for Show?
Common synonyms for show include display, demonstrate, reveal, present, indicate, illustrate, exhibit, explain, prove, express, feature, highlight, and portray. The best alternative depends on what show means in your sentence. For example, use display for something visible, demonstrate for skills or evidence, reveal for hidden information, and present for ideas or information.
What Does Show Mean?
The word show has several meanings, which makes it one of the most flexible words in English.
It can mean:
- To make something visible
- To demonstrate an ability or process
- To provide evidence
- To reveal information
- To present something to an audience
- To guide someone
- To express a feeling
- To perform entertainment
- To indicate or suggest something
For example:
The graph shows a sharp increase in sales.
- Here, shows means indicates or demonstrates.
She showed her painting to the class.
- Here, showed means displayed or presented.
He showed great patience.
- Here, showed means demonstrated or displayed a quality.
Therefore, choosing a synonym requires understanding the exact meaning first.
Best Synonyms for Show
| Synonym | Meaning | Best Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Make something visible | Objects, information, results | The screen displays the results. |
| Demonstrate | Make something clear through evidence or action | Skills, facts, processes | She demonstrated excellent leadership. |
| Reveal | Make hidden information known | Secrets, information, findings | The report revealed new problems. |
| Present | Give or introduce information | Ideas, reports, projects | He presented the findings. |
| Indicate | Point toward or suggest | Data, signs, evidence | The results indicate progress. |
| Illustrate | Make an idea clearer with an example or image | Concepts, explanations | The example illustrates the principle. |
| Exhibit | Display publicly | Art, objects, behavior | The museum exhibits rare paintings. |
| Prove | Establish something as true | Claims, arguments, evidence | The evidence proved the claim. |
| Express | Communicate a feeling or idea | Emotions, opinions | She expressed her concerns. |
| Highlight | Draw attention to something | Important points | The report highlights key risks. |
| Feature | Include or give prominence to | Products, people, content | The article features expert interviews. |
| Portray | Represent or depict | People, characters, situations | The film portrays family life. |
| Depict | Represent visually or descriptively | Art, images, writing | The painting depicts a coastal village. |
| Indicate | Give a sign of something | Evidence, trends, symptoms | The data indicates improvement. |
| Uncover | Discover and make known | Facts, problems, information | The investigation uncovered fraud. |
Synonyms for Show by Context
Show Meaning “Display”
When show means making something visible, use:
- Display
- Exhibit
- Present
- Feature
- Reveal
For example:
The website shows product prices.
Better alternatives include:
The website displays product prices.
Or:
The website presents product prices clearly.
Display is particularly useful when something appears visually on a screen, page, sign, or physical surface.
Show Meaning “Demonstrate”
When someone proves an ability or makes something clear through action, use:
- Demonstrate
- Illustrate
- Establish
- Prove
- Showcase
For example:
The employee showed excellent communication skills.
You could write:
The employee demonstrated excellent communication skills.
This sounds more precise and professional.
Show Meaning “Reveal”
When show means making hidden information known, consider:
- Reveal
- Uncover
- Disclose
- Expose
- Discover
For example:
The investigation showed several problems.
A stronger version is:
The investigation revealed several problems.
If the information was previously hidden, reveal is usually more precise than show.
Show Meaning “Indicate”
When data, evidence, or signs point toward a conclusion, use:
- Indicate
- Suggest
- Demonstrate
- Reflect
- Signal
- Point to
For example:
The results show that customers prefer the new design.
A more academic version is:
The results indicate that customers prefer the new design.
However, avoid using prove unless the evidence genuinely establishes the claim.
Show Meaning “Express”
When show describes communicating emotions, attitudes, or reactions, use:
- Express
- Convey
- Communicate
- Display
- Demonstrate
- Reflect
For example:
She showed concern for her coworkers.
You could write:
She expressed concern for her coworkers.
Or:
She demonstrated concern for her coworkers.
The best choice depends on whether the emphasis is on communication or behavior.
Show Meaning “Guide”
When show means helping someone find a place or understand how to do something, use:
- Guide
- Direct
- Lead
- Teach
- Walk someone through
For example:
Can you show me how to use this software?
You could say:
Can you teach me how to use this software?
Or:
Can you walk me through the process?
In everyday English, however, show me often remains the most natural option.
Formal Synonyms for Show
For formal, academic, and professional writing, these alternatives are especially useful:
Demonstrate
Tone: Formal and professional
Best for: Skills, evidence, results, ability
The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the treatment.
Indicate
Tone: Formal and precise
Best for: Data, evidence, trends, signs
The findings indicate a significant change.
Illustrate
Tone: Formal and explanatory
Best for: Examples, concepts, diagrams
The chart illustrates the difference between the two approaches.
Reveal
Tone: Neutral to formal
Best for: Discoveries, hidden information, findings
The analysis revealed several weaknesses.
Present
Tone: Professional
Best for: Information, reports, ideas, findings
The researchers presented their findings at the conference.
Establish
Tone: Formal
Best for: Facts, relationships, conclusions
The evidence establishes a clear connection between the two factors.
Professional Alternatives for Show
In business writing, avoid repeating show when a more specific verb communicates the idea more clearly.
Use:
- Demonstrate — demonstrate expertise
- Present — present findings
- Display — display information
- Highlight — highlight priorities
- Indicate — indicate trends
- Illustrate — illustrate a process
- Reveal — reveal results
- Feature — feature a product
- Showcase — showcase achievements
For example:
Basic:
The report shows our progress.
Professional:
The report demonstrates our progress.
Or:
The report highlights our progress.
The second version emphasizes the important aspects rather than merely stating that they exist.
Simple Alternatives for Show
If you want easy, natural alternatives, try:
- Display
- Tell
- Present
- Explain
- Point out
- Reveal
- Give
- Share
For example:
Can you show me the answer?
Depending on the meaning, you could say:
Can you tell me the answer?
Can you explain the answer?
Can you give me the answer?
These words are not interchangeable in every situation, so context remains important.
Stronger Alternatives for Show
Sometimes show feels too general. A more specific verb can create a stronger sentence.
Showcase
Use showcase when you want to emphasize something impressive or important.
The event showcases local artists.
Highlight
Use highlight when you want to draw attention to a specific point.
The report highlights major concerns.
Reveal
Use reveal when something previously unknown becomes visible.
The investigation revealed serious problems.
Expose
Use expose when something hidden or problematic is brought to public attention.
The investigation exposed major weaknesses.
Demonstrate
Use demonstrate when evidence or action makes something clear.
The results demonstrate the value of the program.
Show vs. Similar Synonyms
Show vs. Display
Display specifically emphasizes making something visible.
The screen displays the temperature.
Show is broader and can describe many different actions.
Show vs. Demonstrate
Demonstrate usually implies evidence, action, or proof.
She demonstrated strong leadership.
Use it when you want to emphasize that something has been clearly established or performed.
Show vs. Reveal
Reveal suggests that information was previously hidden or unknown.
The report revealed unexpected results.
Therefore, reveal is more specific than show.
Show vs. Indicate
Indicate works especially well with data, signs, and evidence.
The results indicate a decline in demand.
It does not necessarily mean that the evidence proves something completely.
Show vs. Prove
These words should not always be treated as interchangeable.
Show can mean provide evidence for something:
The results show a connection.
Prove means establish something as true or valid.
The evidence proves the claim.
Because prove makes a stronger claim, use it carefully.
Show vs. Illustrate
Illustrate means make an idea easier to understand through an example, image, or explanation.
This example illustrates the concept.
It is particularly useful in educational and academic writing.
Show vs. Portray
Portray means represent someone or something in a particular way.
The novel portrays life in a small town.
It works especially well for books, movies, artwork, photography, and descriptions.
How to Choose the Right Synonym
| What you mean by “show” | Best alternatives |
|---|---|
| Make visible | Display, exhibit |
| Make something clear | Demonstrate, illustrate |
| Make hidden information known | Reveal, uncover, disclose |
| Point to evidence | Indicate, suggest, signal |
| Present information | Present, explain, share |
| Draw attention to something | Highlight, emphasize |
| Represent visually | Depict, portray |
| Present something impressive | Showcase, feature |
| Establish something as true | Prove, establish |
| Communicate an emotion | Express, convey |
| Help someone understand | Explain, teach, guide |
Before-and-After Examples
Example 1: Professional Writing
Before:
The report shows an increase in sales.
After:
The report indicates an increase in sales.
Example 2: Academic Writing
Before:
The study shows that exercise improves sleep.
After:
The study demonstrates that exercise improves sleep.
Example 3: Business Writing
Before:
The presentation shows our company’s achievements.
After:
The presentation highlights our company’s achievements.
Example 4: Hidden Information
Before:
The investigation showed several problems.
After:
The investigation revealed several problems.
Example 5: Art and Media
Before:
The painting shows a coastal village.
After:
The painting depicts a coastal village.
Example 6: Skills
Before:
She showed excellent leadership.
After:
She demonstrated excellent leadership.
These changes make the writing more precise because each verb communicates a slightly different meaning.
Common Mistakes When Replacing Show
Using Demonstrate for Everything
Demonstrate is useful, but it does not fit every meaning of show.
The screen demonstrates the temperature.
This sounds awkward.
Better:
The screen displays the temperature.
Using Prove Too Strongly
Do not automatically replace show with prove.
The data shows a possible connection.
does not necessarily mean:
The data proves a connection.
Prove makes a much stronger claim.
Using Reveal When Nothing Was Hidden
The website reveals the product price.
This can work if the price was previously hidden.
However:
The website displays the product price.
is more neutral when the price is simply visible.
Using Showcase for Ordinary Information
Showcase usually suggests something being presented attractively or prominently.
The spreadsheet showcases the date.
This sounds unnatural.
Better:
The spreadsheet displays the date.
Synonym Analysis
| Word | Tone | Difficulty | Usage Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show | Neutral | Easy | Very Common | General writing |
| Display | Neutral | Easy | Very Common | Screens, objects, information |
| Demonstrate | Formal | Medium | Very Common | Skills, evidence |
| Reveal | Neutral | Easy | Common | Hidden information |
| Present | Professional | Easy | Very Common | Ideas, reports |
| Indicate | Formal | Medium | Common | Data, evidence |
| Illustrate | Formal | Medium | Common | Examples, concepts |
| Exhibit | Formal | Medium | Common | Art, objects |
| Highlight | Professional | Easy | Very Common | Important points |
| Showcase | Professional | Medium | Common | Achievements, products |
| Portray | Formal | Medium | Common | Art, media, people |
| Depict | Formal | Medium | Common | Images, artwork |
| Express | Neutral | Easy | Very Common | Feelings, opinions |
| Prove | Strong | Easy | Very Common | Claims, evidence |
FAQs
What is another word for show?
Common alternatives include display, demonstrate, reveal, present, indicate, illustrate, exhibit, highlight, showcase, portray, depict, and express.
What is a formal synonym for show?
Useful formal alternatives include demonstrate, indicate, illustrate, reveal, establish, present, and exhibit.
What is a professional word for show?
In professional writing, demonstrate, present, highlight, indicate, display, showcase, and illustrate are useful alternatives.
What is a simple synonym for show?
Depending on the context, simple alternatives include display, tell, explain, present, reveal, share, and give.
What is a synonym for show in academic writing?
Common academic alternatives include demonstrate, indicate, illustrate, reveal, establish, and suggest.
What is another word for show evidence?
Use demonstrate, indicate, establish, provide evidence of, or prove, depending on how strong the evidence is.
What is another word for show a skill?
Use demonstrate, display, exhibit, or showcase.
For example:
She demonstrated excellent leadership skills.
What is another word for show a feeling?
Use express, convey, communicate, display, or demonstrate.
He expressed concern about the situation.
What is another word for show in a presentation?
Use present, display, explain, illustrate, highlight, or demonstrate.
What is a synonym for show meaning reveal?
The best choices include reveal, uncover, disclose, expose, and bring to light.
What is a synonym for show meaning indicate?
Use indicate, suggest, signal, reflect, point to, or demonstrate, depending on the evidence.
Conclusion
The best synonyms for show depend on what you want the sentence to communicate. Use display when something is made visible, demonstrate when evidence or ability is involved, and reveal when previously hidden information becomes known.
For academic and professional writing, indicate, illustrate, present, highlight, and establish can make your sentences more precise. Meanwhile, portray and depict work well for art, books, films, and visual representations.
Most importantly, do not replace show simply to use a more complicated word. Choose the verb that expresses the exact relationship between the subject and the information. As a result, your writing will sound clearer, more natural, and more professional.
