for show
idiom
1
: intended to be seen but not used or bought
We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show.
2
disapproving
: done in order to gain the approval or favor of others
He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show.
Examples of for show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the writers who spoke with Rolling Stone say McMahon’s intimidating behavior was not just for show.
—
Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
As soon becomes obvious, lots of things in these pages take place just for show; hypocrisy reigns, and in one way or another, almost everyone is playing a part.
—Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
The network’s online shop offers sweaters, T-shirts, jewelry, water bottles and other merch inspired by Emily in Paris season one — making the perfect gifts for longtime fans or anyone looking for show throwbacks.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2024
And the air vents are real air vents, not just for show.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for for show 
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Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
As soon becomes obvious, lots of things in these pages take place just for show; hypocrisy reigns, and in one way or another, almost everyone is playing a part.
—Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
The network’s online shop offers sweaters, T-shirts, jewelry, water bottles and other merch inspired by Emily in Paris season one — making the perfect gifts for longtime fans or anyone looking for show throwbacks.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2024
And the air vents are real air vents, not just for show.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for for show
Dictionary Entries Near for show
Cite this Entry
“For show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20show. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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