reveal

1 of 3

verb

re·​veal ri-ˈvēl How to pronounce reveal (audio)
revealed; revealing; reveals

transitive verb

1
: to make known through divine inspiration
2
: to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known
reveal a secret
3
: to open up to view : display
the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room
revealable adjective
revealer noun

reveal

2 of 3

noun (1)

plural reveals
: the act or an instance of showing, revealing, or disclosing something (such as surprising information or a new product) for the first time
Last year, in the fall and holiday after the reveal of the iPhone 7, Apple sold 78.29 million phones.Eric Limer
… it's tough to discuss the final volume of the series without acknowledging some of the big reveals of its predecessors.David Kamp
The big end reveal isn't just a shock; it's deeply upsetting, an emotional gut-punch.Matt Prigge
That fact will eventually become evident, no doubt … . That is the art of the slow reveal.Peter J. Boyer

reveal

3 of 3

noun (2)

: the side of an opening (as for a window) between a frame and the outer surface of a wall
also : jamb
Choose the Right Synonym for reveal

reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed.

reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Examples of reveal in a Sentence

Verb She would not reveal the secret. The test revealed the true cause of death. It was revealed that they stole over $1 million. They revealed the plans for the new building. The expression on his face revealed how he felt. The curtain was lifted to reveal the grand prize. Pulling up the carpeting revealed the home's beautiful hardwood floors.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
While his death at 54 was initially classified as a drowning, an autopsy revealed that the level of ketamine in his blood was about the same as would be used during general anesthesia. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 But only now, using advanced gene-sequencing technology, has a study team been able to etch out a clearer picture of who the man was — and the findings revealed an unexpected twist. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 The answers revealed that a majority of listeners were between the ages of twenty-five and forty-four—a new generation that had come to the U.S. after Chavez’s death. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024 In May, she was revealed as the Poodle Moth on season 11 of The Masked Singer. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reveal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reveal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English revelen, from Anglo-French reveler, from Latin revelare to uncover, reveal, from re- + velare to cover, veil, from velum veil

Noun (2)

alteration of earlier revale, probably ultimately from Middle French ravaler to reduce the depth of (masonry or wood), literally, to take back down, from Old French, from re- + avaler to let fall — more at vail

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (1)

1952, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reveal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reveal

Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reveal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

reveal

verb
re·​veal
ri-ˈvē(ə)l
1
: to make known : divulge
2
: to show plainly : display
revealer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reveal

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