Reveal: Definition and Part of Speech
Reveal, primarily used as a verb, involves making something known or visible that was previously concealed, hidden, or unknown. The word can also be found in noun form (“reveal” referring to the act of revealing) or as part of compound verbs such as “to go public.”
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disclose | Emphasizes sharing information intentionally. | “The CEO disclosed the financial results in a press conference.” | Formal, Business |
| Unveil | Often used for formal presentations or introductions of new products. | “The designer unveiled her latest collection on the runway.” | Formal, Creative |
| Expose | Suggests revealing something that may be scandalous or hidden with intent to remain so. | “The journalist exposed corruption within the government.” | Informal/Formal, Investigative |
| Announce | Focuses more on making public statements or declarations. | “They announced their engagement at the party.” | Formal/Informal |
| Broadcast | Used when information is spread widely through media channels. | “The network broadcasted the breaking news immediately.” | Media/Formal |
| Reveal | In its noun form, refers to the act itself rather than the verb form. | “Her reveal of the surprise party was unexpected.” | Casual/Creative |
Usage Notes
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Disclose is particularly appropriate in contexts where confidentiality or sensitivity of information is involved. It’s ideal for business settings and formal writing.
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Unveil tends to be used when something new, like a product or artwork, is being introduced publicly. This word is often found in creative industries and formal announcements.
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Expose can have stronger connotations, especially when the subject involves uncovering hidden truths with possible negative implications. It’s commonly seen in journalistic contexts.
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Announce is versatile across various scenarios, from casual to formal settings, focusing on making a public declaration or statement.
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Broadcast emphasizes the wide dissemination of information through electronic media channels, suitable for journalism and communication studies.
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The noun form of reveal, referring to the act itself, is frequently used in creative writing where context involves surprises or unexpected disclosures.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake with “reveal” synonyms is using them interchangeably without considering their connotations. For example:
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Using unveil for personal matters (like revealing a secret) might seem out of place compared to disclose or announce.
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Misapplying expose in contexts that lack scandalous or hidden elements can lead to misunderstanding the severity intended by this word.
Understanding the subtle differences is crucial, especially in professional communication where precision matters.
Final Recap
To master the use of “reveal” and its synonyms—disclose, unveil, expose, announce, broadcast, and noun reveal—it’s important to recognize their nuances and appropriate contexts. Practicing these words in writing or conversation can enhance clarity and effectiveness, allowing you to choose the most precise synonym for any situation. Encourage experimenting with different synonyms across various contexts to deepen your understanding of each word’s unique flavor.