reveal

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
Verb
  • Kuleba urged the British government, and Lammy, to rediscover the diplomatic zest that the U.K. had shown in the early months of the invasion.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The Google Family Link app can show you where in the world your family members are.
    David Nield, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This refuge provided temporary shelter until it was discovered in 1942.
    Natalia Romik / Madę by History, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Nearly four years after Gabby Petito’s remains were discovered in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest, Netflix is set to release a new docuseries into the shocking murder of the #vanlife vlogger by her then-fiancé, Brian Laundrie.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But if Saturday’s game was his final one as Lions defensive coordinator, Glenn’s unit didn’t display their best on film.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Sailors displayed the highest levels of teamwork, adaptability, and courage—qualities that make our Navy the finest in the world.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast to Schlossberg, others in the Kennedy family have emerged as fierce proponents of efforts to uncover more details about JFK’s death.
    Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Then, the researchers used telescopes at the W. M. Keck and Gemini observatories in Hawaii to uncover more details about the ancient, dead galaxy where no new stars are being formed.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Despite these challenges, the Texans' strong playoff run—despite falling short in the divisional round to Kansas City—demonstrated that the team is close to competing at a higher level.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
  • His involvement with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement further demonstrates his commitment to advancing efficiency and innovation in the industry.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The University of Vermont told CNN helping their students get started on their career paths is an important part of their educational experience.
    Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Santiago and Huffman had a son together, police told KY3.
    Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Many say that has now been broken, that the country’s leaders have betrayed a trust by letting the hostages languish for this long.
    Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Sadly, those who jumped on the anti-immigrant bandwagon have betrayed their own base.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reveal

Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reveal

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