demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1
: to show clearly
demonstrate a willingness to cooperate
must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class
The police demonstrated calm restraint during the riot.
2
a
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
crowded classrooms that demonstrate the need for more schools in the area
b
: to illustrate and explain especially with many examples
demonstrate a procedure
3
: to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer
demonstrate a new kitchen gadget

intransitive verb

: to make a demonstration
Allow me to demonstrate.
crowds demonstrating for the right to vote
Choose the Right Synonym for demonstrate

show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent.

show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Examples of demonstrate in a Sentence

Each student must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class. Employees must demonstrate competence in certain skills before they can work independently. The medication will not be marketed until it is demonstrated to be safe. The latest test results clearly demonstrate that the vaccine works.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Employees looking to make a change are increasingly seeking out companies with cultures that align with their priorities, demonstrating that meaningful work is a critical factor in career decisions today. 6. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 Transforming Sales Strategies with Predictive Analytics Sales is another domain where AI has demonstrated transformative potential. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025 Through their struggles and triumphs, women artists prove that the most profound transformations emerge from confronting our darkest fears, demonstrating that the blackest milk nourishes the most essential growth. Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025 The first film was watched by more than 47 million subscriber households in its first week, demonstrating the platform’s ability to generate massive engagement with relatively low production costs. Paula Landry, New York Daily News, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demonstrate 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātus, past participle of dēmonstrāre "to draw attention to, indicate, describe, show," from dē- de- + monstrāre "to point out, show" — more at muster entry 2

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 21a

Time Traveler
The first known use of demonstrate was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near demonstrate

Cite this Entry

“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstrate. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

demonstrate

verb
demonstrated; demonstrating
1
: to show clearly
2
a
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
b
: to illustrate and explain especially with examples
3
: to show publicly the good qualities of a product
demonstrate a new car
4
: to make a public display (as of feeling or military force)
citizens demonstrated in protest

Medical Definition

demonstrate

verb
demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1
: to show clearly
demonstrated the artery arteriographically
2
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on demonstrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!