make an appearance
Turn up somewhere
To make an appearance is to show up somewhere, especially briefly or for a specific purpose.
The phrase often implies that presence itself matters more than duration: The CEO made an appearance at the company picnic.
Celebrities make appearances at events; symptoms make an appearance when illness begins.
The phrase can suggest obligation or formality—you showed up because you should, not necessarily because you wanted to.
Arrive or outperform
- arriveReach a destination
- turn upAppear or be found
- be presentExist at a location
- comeMove toward someone
drop by · stop by · pop in · roll in · swing by · check in · materialize · surface
Passing very quickly
- momentaryLasting very briefly
- quickMoving with speed
- passingMoving by or temporary
- short-livedLasting only briefly
transient · flash · glimpse · pop-in · cursory · perfunctory · token · stopover
First public performance
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- unveilingAct of first revealing
- launchSet into motion
- inauguralFirst in office
coming out · entrance · arrival · breakout · first showing · grand entrance · reveal · emergence
Festive formal occasion
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
ceremony · ball · state dinner · ribbon cutting · award show · press conference · red carpet · photo op
Limited engagement for outsider
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- bit partSmall acting role
- celebrity cameoFamous person's brief role
- star turnA standout featured performance
show up
Arrive or outperform
- arriveReach a destination
- turn upAppear or be found
- be presentExist at a location
come · drop by · stop by · pop in · roll in · swing by · check in · materialize · surface · emerge
fleeting
Passing very quickly
short-lived · transient · flash · glimpse · pop-in · cursory · perfunctory · token · stopover · flying visit
premiere
First public performance
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- unveilingAct of first revealing
- launchSet into motion
inaugural · coming out · entrance · arrival · breakout · first showing · grand entrance · reveal · emergence · first outing
gala
Festive formal occasion
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
summit · ceremony · ball · state dinner · ribbon cutting · award show · press conference · red carpet · photo op · public engagement
guest spot
Limited engagement for outsider
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- bit partSmall acting role
- celebrity cameoFamous person's brief role
make an appearanceskip
To deliberately exclude
miss · stay away · send regrets · beg off · no-show
make an appearancestick around
Remain in place temporarily
stay put · settle in · camp out · linger · hang around
make, appear, maker, making, apparent, appearance, remake, apparently, appeared