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Synonyms

for show

Idioms  
  1. For the sake of appearances or display. For example, They put on a lavish buffet, mainly for show, or The police pretended to jail the informer, for show. [c. 1700]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Tan also allegedly told Apple employees to bring physical components, such as batteries, circuit boards, and other parts, to interviews for "show and tell" sessions.

From Barron's Jul. 10, 2026

"Is friendship all just for show?" they sing over a melancholy guitar line.

From BBC Jun. 4, 2026

Sometimes the thin line between love and hate, including the brand of disdain that’s just for show, can be bridged by a tuna melt.

From Salon Dec. 26, 2025

“I thought it was just for show, but they were like, ‘Oh no, we aren’t wasting any grapes.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 27, 2025

I think of her as a woman for whom every act is done for show, is acting rather than a real act.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

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