1
as in cuts up
to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior
the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in displays
to present so as to invite notice or attention
she just wants to show off her new jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shows off
Finally, Florida cranberry (Hibiscus sabdariffa) shows off stunning, edible red calyces that remain once flowers have fallen and can be used in a variety of recipes for baked goods, stews, chutneys, or simply for making tea.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
In the after photo, the actor shows off his muscular physique in shorts and a tank top.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Next to the arm, an ankle — where Umansky is tagged — shows off a tattoo with four thin black lines.
—Emy Lacroix, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
This garden shows off its autumnal hues as does the Lower Woodland Garden with its gentian trees.
—Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The vehicle has been completely restored, and really shows off the Verde Acquamarina paint.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shows off
Verb
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Apple AirTags are essentially mini GPS tracking devices that sync directly to your iPhone’s Find My app, which displays location info on your phone.—
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There’s no denying who this Papier planner belongs to—the customizable monogram tastefully displays your initials, embossed with gold foil.—
Verb
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According to its website, the Kennedy Center hosts over 2,200 performances, events and exhibits a year, with over two million visitors annually.—
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What readers are saying The comments largely focus on the need for the boyfriend to set boundaries with his sister, who exhibits possessive and inappropriate behavior.—
Verb
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But if your transmission acts up or your steering system goes haywire, car insurance won't help you.—
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In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.—
Verb
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Dak Brinkley shows pass rushing ability KU freshman defensive end Dak Brinkley recorded the first two sacks of his college career on back-to-back plays in the second quarter.—
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The atlas shows routes spanning from Spain to Syria, connecting more than 5,000 ancient settlements.—
Verb
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Less than a minute into the video, as the singer sits by herself in the middle of the desert, the camera suddenly flashes to Blue, who is wearing a dress nearly identical to her mom's gown.—
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Burnett pauses, considers the question, and then flashes a mischievous grin.—
Verb
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Director Mohamed Zineddaine unveils exclusive first footage from his new fiction film in the Atlas Film Showcase.—
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Samsung usually unveils its flagship Galaxy S series smartphones in January or February, but the Galaxy S26 rumor mill is already churning.—
Cite this Entry
“Shows off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shows%20off. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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