Analytical verbs – some alternatives for the over-used ‘suggests’ or ‘shows’ with brief definitions. 

Adumbrates – puts forward an outline/foreshadow a future event

Advocates – puts forwards a particular opinion/viewpoint/belief

Amplifies – emphasises by adding extra impact

Connotes – creates a deeper metaphorical meaning

Constructs – builds up an idea

Conveys – gets across a message/idea/theory

Defines – gives us the clear meaning of something

Demonstrates – Provides a clear explanation/example

Emphasizes – draws attention to something

Establishes

Evidences – provides evidence/proof for an argument/theory

Evokes – brings about a strong feeling or idea

Exhibits – Displays a certain attitude/tendency

Foreshadows – hints at subsequent events/themes

Highlights – draws clear attention toward by making it stand out

Identifies – provides the clear meaning of something specific

Illustrates – creates a distinct image

Implies – suggests something beyond the obvious

Indicates – acts as a clear pointer or a signpost

Insinuates – mages a vague suggestion beyond the obvious meaning

Mirrors – A similar or the same visual image

Parallels – runs alongside a similar idea/theme

Portrays – Shows or represents something/someone in a certain way

Presents – Introduces an idea

Projects – takes an idea and makes it more distinct

Proposes – puts forward an idea/theory

Puts forward – Gives a theory/opinion/idea

Reflects – Espouses the same or similar theme/idea

Reiterates – repeats or supports the same point/feeling/idea

Represents – takes an idea and puts it forward in a different light

Reveals – makes a meaning/interpretation clear that was previously unclear

Signifies – uses a word or a sign to make the meaning clear

Symbolises – takes a visual image and uses it for a deeper meaning

Criticizes –  rebukes, admonishes, chastizes,  lambasts, castigates, demonizes, condemns

Questions – queries, disputes, casts doubt upon, refutes, interrogates, examines, challenges, exposes, provokes

Ridicules – mocks, trivializes, satirises, lampoons, derides, pillories, parodies, caricatures

Celebrates – commemorates, honours, salutes, recognizes, acknowledges, memorializes, lionises, idealises, eulogises, elevates, glorifies, sentimentalises, romanticises, beautifies, deifies

Subverts – undermines, overturns, alters, modifies, corrupts

Accepts – welcomes, embraces, affirms, reaffirms, internalizes, externalizes