# reveal

/ɹiˈviɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪvˈiːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reveal
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to show something hidden

verb · CEFR B2

to let something be seen that was hidden before.

For teachers: to uncover or display something that was previously obscured from view. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The magician pulled back the cloth to reveal an empty cage.
- As the morning mist cleared, the rising sun began to reveal the jagged peaks of the mountain range that had been hidden all night.

### 2. to share a secret

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to tell people a piece of information that was a secret.

For teachers: to make previously unknown information public or known to others. Often used in academic or journalistic contexts regarding data or investigations.

- The company will reveal its new smartphone design at the conference tomorrow.
- The study revealed a significant correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults, challenging previous assumptions in the field.

### 3. a surprise discovery

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the moment when something hidden is finally shown to people.

For teachers: the final disclosure of information or the physical uncovering of a project, often for dramatic effect.

- The big reveal at the end of the movie shocked the entire audience.
- After months of renovation, the grand reveal of the hotel lobby exceeded the expectations of the investors and the local press alike.

### 4. window or door frame

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the part of a wall that shows around a window or door frame.

For teachers: the side of an opening for a window or door between the frame and the outer surface of the wall.

- The architect chose to paint the window reveal a different colour to add depth.
- The deep reveals of the cathedral windows create dramatic shadows that change throughout the afternoon.

## Examples

- The curtains open to reveal a beautiful stage.
- The company plans to reveal its new smartphone model at the conference next week.
- The investigation failed to reveal any evidence of wrongdoing, though it did highlight several systemic flaws in the department's accounting procedures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.