Phrase guide

show of force

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An open demonstration of power by display of a great number of people or resources.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The military parade was an opportunity for the new government to give a show of force to the neighbouring countries.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: show of strength, power move

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Arabic: استعراض للقوة — open demonstration of power
  • Chinese Mandarin: 示威 (shìwēi) — open demonstration of power
  • Dutch: machtsvertoon — open demonstration of power
  • Finnish: voimannäytös — open demonstration of power
  • French: démonstration de force — open demonstration of power
  • German: Machtdemonstration — open demonstration of power
  • Hungarian: erődemonstráció — open demonstration of power
  • Polish: pokaz siły — open demonstration of power
  • Romanian: demonstrație de forță — open demonstration of power
  • Spanish: muestra/demostración de fuerza — open demonstration of power
  • Swedish: maktdemonstration — open demonstration of power