REVEAL Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reveal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray , disclose , divulge , and tell . While all these words 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

Q: When is 'betray' a more appropriate choice than 'reveal'?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure. // a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Q: When can 'disclose' be used instead of 'reveal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal , disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret. // candidates must disclose their financial assets

Q: When could 'divulge' be used to replace 'reveal'?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence. // refused to divulge an anonymous source

Q: In what contexts can 'tell' take the place of 'reveal'?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information. // told them what he had overheard

reveal

verb

ri-ˈvēl

Definition of reveal next

as in to disclose

to make known (as information previously kept secret) at the end of the book, the detective reveals the identity of the mysterious stranger

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to show

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs a habitual smirk that reveals his contempt for other people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reveal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray, disclose, divulge, and tell. While all these words 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

When is betray a more appropriate choice than reveal?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When can disclose be used instead of reveal?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When could divulge be used to replace reveal?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can tell take the place of reveal?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of reveal The first round of Grammy performers has been revealed, including pop breakouts Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx and Chappell Roan, who are all nominated at the awards ceremony. —

Ellise Shafer, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 The answers can help reveal whether something else is being overlooked. —

Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Their spending is an effect of growth as Mexico reveals. —

John Tamny, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 New research from Helios Education Foundation reveals that an increase of just 10% in college enrollment could add $8.38 billion to Florida’s economy annually. —

Mark Wilson, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reveal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal

Verb

As massive as these industrial farms can be, state officials disclose little information about dry-litter poultry farms, the roughly 4,700 farms responsible for raising more than 99% of the state’s billion birds, according to state agricultural data.

— Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
Contrary to realty ethics rules, Pearl did not disclose in the listing that the house doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy, and its building permit expired Feb. 15.

— Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025