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

Back on my first visit to the Princess Andromeda, my old enemy Luke had kept some dazed tourists on board for show, shrouded in Mist so they didn’t realize they were on a monster-infested ship.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan

for show

Example Sentences

Related Words