Another word for “shows” (especially in writing) is often “demonstrates,” “indicates,” or “reveals,” depending on the context.

Common formal alternatives

Use these when writing essays, reports, or articles:

  • demonstrates
  • indicates
  • reveals
  • displays
  • illustrates
  • presents
  • represents
  • describes
  • evidences

These are widely recommended as general synonyms for “shows” in academic and professional writing.

Sentence-style examples

  • “The data demonstrates a clear upward trend.”
  • “This chart illustrates the change over time.”
  • “The result indicates a strong correlation.”
  • “The figure reveals several important patterns.”

If you mean “TV shows” or events

When “shows” means entertainment or events, other options work better:

  • performances
  • programs / programmes
  • series
  • productions
  • exhibitions
  • presentations
  • spectacles

Resources listing entertainment‑related synonyms for “shows” include thesaurus and vocabulary sites that group them by context (exhibitions, performances, broadcasts, etc.).

Quick tip

  • For academic or analytical writing, prefer: demonstrates , indicates , illustrates , reveals.
  • For arts or media, prefer: performance , program , production , exhibition , spectacle.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.