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Definitions

for show

ADJECTIVE
exposed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bare defined disclosed discovered naked resolved solved uncovered unprotected
STRONG
bared caught clear debunked denuded divulged exhibited manifest open peeled revealed shown stripped unmasked unsealed unveiled
WEAK
apparent brought to light dug up evident found out laid bare made manifest on display on view on-the-spot unconcealed unhidden unsheltered visible
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clothed hidden
STRONG
ambiguous blocked closed concealed obscure unclear vague
WEAK
guarded private protected safe secret sheltered shielded
ADJECTIVE
ornamental
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exquisite ornate showy
STRONG
accessory fancy
WEAK
adorning attractive beautiful beautifying decking decorating delicate dressy elaborate embellishing enhancing festooned florid furbishing garnishing heightening luxurious setting off
Antonyms
WEAK
plain unembellished
ADVERB
ostensibly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
evidently officially seemingly supposedly
WEAK
at first blush externally for all intents and purposes on the face on the surface outwardly professedly sensibly superficially to the eye
Antonyms
WEAK
improbably obscurely unlikely
NOUN
display
Synonyms
STRONGEST
act array demonstration example exhibit parade presentation
STRONG
affectation arrangement blaze bravura dash exhibition expo exposition exposure fanfare flourish frame-up frippery front layout manifestation ostentation ostentatiousness pageant panorama pedantry pomp pretension pretentiousness revelation sample scheme shine showboat splash splendor splurge spread unfolding vanity
WEAK
arrayal grandstand play
Antonyms
STRONGEST
concealment hiding
STRONG
dullness modesty plainness simplicity
NOUN
panoply
Synonyms
STRONGEST
array
STRONG
act affectation arrangement blaze bravura dash demonstration example exhibit exhibition expo exposition exposure fanfare flourish frame-up frippery front layout manifestation ostentation ostentatiousness pageant panorama parade pedantry pomp presentation pretension pretentiousness revelation sample scheme shine show showboat spectacle splash splendor splurge spread unfolding vanity
WEAK
arrayal grandstand play
Antonyms
STRONG
concealment cover dullness hiding modesty ordinariness plainness quiet simplicity truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yamamoto figured he was just going to the bullpen for show.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

Sometimes the thin line between love and hate, including the brand of disdain that’s just for show, can be bridged by a tuna melt.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2025

“I thought it was just for show, but they were like, ‘Oh no, we aren’t wasting any grapes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

Still, there were certainly signs it was all for show.

From Slate • Aug. 4, 2025

It’s just for show, though, because I know she doesn’t have any minutes.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.