show
8 synonyms and 5 antonyms for show, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To let someone see something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use show
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English scēawian ("to look at, display"), related to modern "sheen" and distantly to Latin words behind "caution" and "caveat".
Full origin of show →Frequently asked questions
What does “show” mean?
The word “show” means to let someone see something. In plain terms, to let something be seen or proven, or (as a noun) an entertainment programme or a false appearance.
How do you pronounce “show”?
“Show” is pronounced shoh (/ʃoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “show” in a sentence?
Here is “show” used in a sentence: “Can you show me how this works?”
What is another word for “show”?
Words with a similar meaning to “show” include big leagues.
What is the opposite of “show”?
The opposite of “show” — its antonyms — are conceal, cover up, hide, refute and disprove.
What part of speech is “show”?
Depending on how it is used, “show” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “show” come from?
The word “show” comes from Latin. From Old English scēawian ("to look at, display"), related to modern "sheen" and distantly to Latin words behind "caution" and "caveat".
Is “show” a common word?
“Show” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the past tense of 'show', 'showed' or 'shown'?
The simple past tense is "showed," as in "she showed me the photo." The past participle is "shown," used with "have" or "was," as in "I have shown him" or "it was shown on screen." Although "showed" occasionally appears as a participle, "shown" is the standard, preferred form in careful writing.
What is the opposite of 'show'?
The main opposites are "hide" and "conceal," meaning to keep something out of sight. Depending on the sense, "cover," "disguise," or "withhold" also work. When "show" means to demonstrate or reveal information, its opposite can be "hide" or "obscure," anything that stops someone from seeing or understanding.
What is the difference between 'show' and 'demonstrate'?
"Show" simply lets someone see something. "Demonstrate" goes further: it means to show clearly how something works or to prove a point, often through action or evidence. You show a friend your new coat, but you demonstrate how a machine operates. Demonstrate carries a sense of explaining or proving, not just displaying.
What are the different meanings of 'show'?
As a verb, "show" can mean to let someone see ("show me"), to prove or reveal ("the data shows"), to guide ("show them in"), or to teach ("show me how"). As a noun, a "show" is a performance or exhibition. The common thread is making something visible or known.