The phrase "makes an appearance" refers to someone or something appearing or showing up in a certain place or event. Other interchangeable phrases include "shows up," "arrives," "enters," "attends," "appears," "materializes," "emerges," "pops in," "turns up," "comes along," "puts in an appearance," "comes in," "makes a grand entrance," "comes out," "comes forward," and "shows face." These phrases can be used interchangeably in various contexts, from describing contestants on a television show to describing the arrival of an important guest to an event. These synonyms help add variation to one's vocabulary and make writing more interesting.