15 Other Ways to Say “Show” (With Examples)

The verb “show” is incredibly common, yet the language offers a spectrum of precise and evocative alternatives. Each word carries its own unique shade of meaning, letting you articulate exactly how something is presented, revealed, or demonstrated.

Understanding these nuances, explored in Other Ways to Say “Show,” can significantly enhance your communication, making your descriptions more vivid and accurate.

What is a Better Word for “Show”?

1. Display
2. Demonstrate
3. Reveal
4. Exhibit
5. Present
6. Illustrate
7. Indicate
8. Express
9. Manifest
10. Convey
11. Highlight
12. Portray
13. Depict
14. Uncover
15. Showcase

1. Display

To display something means to present it visibly or prominently, often with the intention of highlighting its qualities or drawing attention to it. It’s about arranging an item so it can be seen clearly and appreciated, whether it’s art in a gallery or emotions on one’s face. Display is a versatile word, suitable for creative, professional, or even personal contexts, such as an exhibition or a public demonstration. When you use display, you emphasize a deliberate, visual presentation designed to make something stand out with clarity and impact.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is setting up an art gallery and asks for advice. You could say: “Display your paintings with bright, focused lighting to really grab attention!”
• Imagine your colleague is preparing a project board. You might suggest: “Display the key stats upfront; it’ll impress the team right away.”

2. Demonstrate

To demonstrate implies showing something through action or concrete evidence, often with the purpose of proving a point, teaching a skill, or explaining a process. It’s a hands-on approach, making something clear by doing rather than just telling. Demonstrate is a clear and purposeful word, fitting for educational or professional contexts, such as giving a tutorial or a scientific presentation. When you use demonstrate, you highlight an explanatory approach designed to clarify with authority and practical application.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is teaching a cooking class and seeks tips. You could say: “Demonstrate the chopping technique slowly and clearly for the beginners!”
• Imagine your coworker is leading a training session. You might say: “Demonstrate the software’s new features with real, practical examples to help everyone understand.”

3. Reveal

To reveal suggests uncovering or making something known that was previously hidden, secret, or unknown. This often comes with a sense of surprise, discovery, or drama. It’s about pulling back the curtain on something new, whether it’s a long-held secret or the results of a competition. Reveal is an evocative and versatile word, perfect for storytelling, sharing unexpected news, or creative contexts. When you use reveal, you create a sense of unveiling with anticipation or intrigue, making the moment memorable.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is planning a surprise party and shares their idea. You could say: “Reveal the theme with a big, colorful banner right when they walk in for maximum impact!”
• Imagine your team is preparing for a product launch. You might propose: “Reveal the new design during the event’s climax to build excitement!”

4. Exhibit

To exhibit implies formally showing something, often in an organized or public setting, with a strong emphasis on presentation and viewing. It suggests a curated display, whether it’s works of art in a gallery or behavior in a formal setting. Exhibit is slightly more formal and polished than display, ideal for professional or cultural contexts like museums, trade shows, or official reports. When you use exhibit, you suggest a sophisticated, intentional display that emphasizes quality and professionalism.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your cousin is curating a museum display. You could say: “Exhibit the artifacts in chronological order; it will provide a clearer context for visitors.”
• Imagine your colleague is preparing a case study. You might suggest: “Exhibit the results in a clear, concise chart for a powerful impact on the board!”

5. Present

To present suggests offering or showing something formally or deliberately to an audience. It implies a structured, intentional act of sharing, often with a specific purpose, such as delivering a gift, an idea, or information. Present is a versatile and professional word, great for business meetings, educational lectures, or social ceremonies. When you use the present, you convey a polished, organized delivery, indicating that care has been taken in how the item or information is brought forward.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is giving a speech and asks for tips. You could say: “Present your main points with confidence and clarity; that’s key to engaging them!”
• Imagine your team is pitching to clients. You might say: “Present the proposal with compelling visuals to really make it pop and stand out!”

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6. Illustrate

To illustrate implies showing something through examples, visuals, or detailed explanations to clarify or enhance understanding. It’s about making complex ideas accessible and vivid, whether through diagrams, stories, or analogies. Illustrate is a descriptive and intellectual word, perfect for educational content, creative writing, or technical manuals. When you use illustration, you emphasize a vivid, explanatory approach to making ideas clear and easy to grasp, often appealing to imagination or visual learning.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is writing a blog post and seeks advice. You could say: “Illustrate your point with a short, personal story; it will really connect with readers!”
• Imagine your coworker is creating a training manual. You might suggest: “Illustrate the steps with clear, simple diagrams for easy understanding.”

7. Indicate

To indicate suggests pointing out or showing something subtly, often through signs, signals, or hints. It’s less about a grand presentation and more about providing a clue or a piece of evidence. Indicate is a neutral and precise word, ideal for technical instructions, data analysis, or giving directions. When you use indicate, you refer to a subtle, evidence-based way of revealing information or guiding attention, without dramatic flair.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is giving directions and needs help. You could say: “Indicate the turn with a clear hand signal well in advance!”
• Imagine your colleague is analyzing a report. You might say: “Indicate the emerging trends with highlighted numbers; it makes them easy to spot.”

8. Express

To express implies showing feelings, thoughts, or ideas openly, often through words, actions, or creative outlets. It’s about communicating something internal and making it external, whether it’s a deep emotion or a personal opinion. Express is a warm and personal word, great for emotional conversations, artistic endeavors, or stating one’s views. When you use express, you emphasize a heartfelt or clear communication of something internal, valuing authenticity and sincerity.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is upset and sharing their feelings. You could say: “Express your emotions freely; it often helps to feel lighter afterward.”
• Imagine your teammate is pitching an innovative idea. You might say: “Express your vision clearly and passionately to truly win them over!”

9. Manifest

To manifest suggests showing something clearly or visibly, often with a sense of inevitability or materialization. It implies that something abstract, like a quality, belief, or outcome, becomes apparent or takes a tangible form. Manifest is an evocative and slightly formal word, perfect for philosophical discussions, personal growth contexts, or observing the results of an effort. When you use manifest, you refer to a powerful, almost destined revelation of something, emphasizing clarity or transformation coming to fruition.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your cousin is working on building confidence and shares progress. You could say: “It’s wonderful to see you manifest your inner strength in every step you take!”
• Imagine your team is discussing the impressive results of a project. You might say: “The success of this strategy truly manifests itself in these bold metrics!”

10. Convey

To convey implies communicating or showing something indirectly, often through words, actions, visuals, or a general atmosphere. It’s about transmitting a message, mood, or idea, not always explicitly, but through subtle means. Convey is a versatile and thoughtful word, ideal for storytelling, designing marketing materials, or professional communication where nuance matters. When you use convey, you emphasize a nuanced, intentional delivery of information or emotion, ensuring the message is received clearly.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is writing a heartfelt letter and asks for tips. You could say: “Convey your gratitude with sincere, carefully chosen words to make it truly impactful!”
• Imagine your colleague is designing a poster for an event. You might say: “Convey the event’s vibrant, exciting vibe with bright, energetic colors!”

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11. Highlight

To highlight suggests showing something prominently to draw particular attention to it. It’s about emphasizing key points, features, or achievements, making them stand out from the rest. Highlight is an energetic and focused word, great for presentations, reports, or reviews where certain information needs to be underscored. When you use highlight, you put a deliberate spotlight on what matters most, ensuring clarity and emphasis.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is preparing a speech and seeks advice. You could say: “Highlight your most significant achievements early to really inspire the crowd!”
• Imagine your coworker is creating an analytical report. You might say: “Highlight the key findings with bold text or distinct colors to make them immediately obvious.”

12. Portray

To portray implies showing or representing something through art, words, or actions, often with a narrative or emotional angle. It’s about creating a vivid image or character, whether in a story, a performance, or a public image. Portrayal is an expressive and artistic word, perfect for creative contexts, acting, or crafting a brand identity. When you use portray, you suggest a vivid, storytelling approach to representation, often involving imagination or interpretation.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is acting in a play and asks for feedback. You could say: “Portray the character’s inner pain with subtle gestures and facial expressions!”
• Imagine your team is crafting a new marketing campaign. You might say: “Our goal is to portray our brand as bold, innovative, and deeply committed to sustainability.”

13. Depict

To depict suggests showing something through detailed description or imagery, often in art, writing, or visuals. It’s about creating a clear and precise representation of a scene, an idea, or a person. Depict is a descriptive and precise word, ideal for creative writing, analytical reports, or visual arts. When you use depict, you emphasize a detailed, vivid representation, aiming for clarity or an artistic portrayal that captures specifics.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your cousin is painting a mural and seeks input. You could say: “Depict the city’s vibrant energy with a dynamic use of bright colors and moving figures!”
• Imagine your colleague is writing a case study. You might say: “Depict the client’s success with specific, measurable examples; it makes the impact undeniable.”

14. Uncover

To uncover implies revealing or showing something that was previously hidden, concealed, or unknown, often with a sense of discovery or investigation. It suggests a process of bringing something to light, whether it’s a secret, a buried artifact, or a hidden insight. Uncover is an intriguing and dynamic word, great for investigative journalism, research, or personal storytelling. When you use uncover, you present a sense of exploration and revelation, emphasizing the act of finding and exposing something new.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is researching family history and shares their exciting findings. You could say: “Keep digging! You might uncover even more amazing stories to share at the reunion!”
• Imagine your team is analyzing complex data sets. You might say: “We need to deeply analyze this data to uncover the underlying patterns and actionable insights.”

15. Showcase

To showcase suggests prominently displaying something to highlight its value, quality, or excellence, often in a public or celebratory way. It’s about presenting something in its best light, whether it’s talents, products, or achievements. Showcase is a vibrant and professional word, perfect for performances, marketing events, or portfolio presentations. When you use showcase, you refer to a proud, polished presentation of something exceptional, aiming to impress, inspire, or celebrate its qualities.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is performing at a talent show. You could say: “Don’t hold back! Really showcase your incredible dance moves with confidence!”
• Imagine your company is launching a new product. You might say: “We’ll showcase the new features at the upcoming expo to generate maximum buzz!”

Conclusion

That generic “show” often obscures the precise nature of your presentation. Our exploration into Other Ways to Say “Show” has armed you with a vocabulary rich in nuance, enabling you to articulate exactly how something is revealed, demonstrated, or displayed. Ditch vague expressions.

Instead, let your words truly illuminate your message with clarity and impact. To master even more expressive communication, delve into the extensive resources on the Other Ways To Say homepage.