1 reveal | Definition of reveal

reveal

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

Definition of reveal

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

reveal

noun (1)
plural reveals

Definition of reveal (Entry 2 of 3)

: 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

noun (2)

Definition of reveal (Entry 3 of 3)

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

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Other Words from reveal

Verb

revealable \ ri-​ˈvē-​lə-​bəl How to pronounce revealable (audio) \ adjective
revealer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for reveal

Verb

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The journalist then encouraged her followers to swipe to the next photo of a sign revealing the location was sold out. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, "Jimmy Kimmel's Son Billy Digs into Popeyes Chicken Sandwich: 'Even 2-Year-Olds Can't Resist'," 27 Aug. 2019 When Bryant felt more stable, her mom surprised her by revealing that depression ran in their family. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, "A parking garage had 6 suicides in 4 years. Signs on the walls are trying to prevent more.," 26 Aug. 2019 An angry reader chewed him out for revealing the surprise. Donald Liebenson, chicagotribune.com, "What’s the statute of limitations on movie spoilers?," 25 Aug. 2019 The gunman meant to shoot the person sitting next to him in what been revealed to be a botched $30,000 hit, authorities said. Leah Asmelash, CNN, "David Ortiz just posted his first photos since being shot in June," 25 Aug. 2019 Most of the images the ROV took revealed what the scientists expected: barren lava flows. Eva Botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "NASA eyes the ocean: How the deep sea could unlock outer space," 23 Aug. 2019 His songs and his whole essence appear to be about struggling with the self-exposure and intense feeling of revealing oneself to others, coping with being seen and embracing the thrill of sharing in both frivolous and meaningful ways. John Adamian, courant.com, "An open, honest Shawn Mendes performing at Mohegan Sun," 23 Aug. 2019 The biggest development revealed at the meeting was that the Breakthrough charter schools have reached agreement with Say Yes to also participate in the program. Patrick O'donnell, cleveland.com, "Say Yes to Education makes college a question of “where?” for Cleveland kids, not “if” City Club panelists say," 23 Aug. 2019 Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas has immortalized Aaliyah with a wax figure, revealing the new figure in a ceremony with her family and fans on Wednesday. Paula Rogo, Essence, "Aaliyah's Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds In Las Vegas," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reveal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of reveal

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1688, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for reveal

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

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More Definitions for reveal

reveal

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

Kids Definition of reveal