Synonyms for “Show”
The word show works as both a verb and a noun with several senses — to display something, to prove a point, to guide someone, or a performance. Pick the meaning below for the right synonym.
Quick answer: the most common synonyms for show are display, present, and reveal (to let be seen); demonstrate and prove (to establish); and performance, production, or program (the noun).
1. Show as a verb — to display (verb)
To let something be seen — as in "show your ticket at the door."
Register: exhibit and present are formal; flash is casual and quick.
Example: "Please show your ID" → "please present / display your ID."
2. Show as a verb — to prove or demonstrate (verb)
To make something clear or establish it — as in "the data shows a clear trend."
Register: demonstrate and establish suit reports and academic writing; indicate is neutral.
Example: "The results show improvement" → "the results demonstrate / indicate improvement."
3. Show as a verb — to guide (verb)
To lead or explain to someone — as in "show me how it works."
Register: all are neutral; instruct is slightly more formal.
Example: "Can you show me the way?" → "can you guide / direct me?"
4. Show as a noun — a performance (noun)
An event, program, or spectacle put on for an audience — as in "we watched a great show."
Nuance: production and performance suit theatre; exhibition is for displays; program or series for TV.
Example: "The show was sold out" → "the performance / production was sold out."
Antonyms for “Show”
Another word for "show off" or "TV show"
For show off (to display proudly), use flaunt, boast, parade, or brag. For a TV show, use program, series, broadcast, or episode.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for "show"?
The best synonym for show depends on which of its senses you mean. To let something be seen, use display or present. To prove a point, use demonstrate. For a performance, use performance or production.
What is the opposite of "show"?
The opposite of show as a verb meaning to display is hide, conceal, or cover. In the sense of proving something, the contrast is disprove or refute. The noun sense has no clean antonym, since a performance is a thing rather than a state. Pick the antonym from the same sense as the synonym you replaced.
What is another word for a "TV show"?
Alternatives to TV show include program, series, broadcast, and episode. Series refers to the whole run, while episode refers to one instalment, so the two are not interchangeable. British English prefers programme with the extra letters. For streaming, season has largely replaced the British series in that sense.
When should I use "demonstrate" instead of "show"?
Use demonstrate instead of show when you are establishing a claim with evidence, as in a report or an academic paper. It carries a stronger implication of proof than show, which can simply mean to make visible. Indicate is the weaker option when the evidence is suggestive rather than conclusive. Choosing between the three is one of the clearest ways to control how confident a sentence sounds.