for show

Idioms

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:

for show

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

The company still owns the Professional Bowlers Association, but Shannon says that’s mostly for show.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

Like Sweeney’s pop-up, this saloon isn’t totally for show — there are selected premixed cocktails available.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 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

You wouldn’t mistake Joel’s cattle for show cattle.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

for show

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words