display 1 of 2

Definition of displaynext
1
as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a display of paintings by masters of French Impressionism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in demonstration
an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect a display of sympathy that was totally phony

Synonyms & Similar Words

display

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word display different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of display are exhibit, expose, flaunt, parade, and show. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When is exhibit a more appropriate choice than display?

While the synonyms exhibit and display are close in meaning, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

Where would expose be a reasonable alternative to display?

The synonyms expose and display are sometimes interchangeable, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When is it sensible to use flaunt instead of display?

Although the words flaunt and display have much in common, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

When could parade be used to replace display?

The meanings of parade and display largely overlap; however, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

When would show be a good substitute for display?

In some situations, the words show and display are roughly equivalent. However, show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of display
Noun
Politicos and hopefuls, seeing others’ pins on display, brought theirs in as a form of competition. A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 This might have been the ultimate display of perseverance by Riley, the Arisons and the Heat brain trust. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Verb
But apart from displaying an occasional streak of stubbornness, Varsha too is an equable child who has never done anything surprising or untoward—at least not until 20 September 1969. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Fox & friends The Roku logo is displayed on a smartphone. Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The Chiefs Hall of Honor on the second-level concourse contains the organization’s four Super Bowl trophies, memorabilia, exhibits and documents, and there is no admission to walk through history.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • The removal of the exhibit, which took place in January, was also challenged in a separate lawsuit filed by the city of Philadelphia.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Protests are expected around the stadium throughout the day, including demonstrations by the teachers’ union and groups representing the families of missing persons.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Vertical Aerospace’s full-scale prototype is expected to accelerate flight testing, support piloted demonstrations and advance Vertical’s hybrid-electric aircraft programme.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Moderate exercise has been shown to improve learning among students from elementary school through young adulthood, and the effects on attention, memory and executive function are well-documented, pediatricians say.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • On the final stop on the tour, the Markley people wanted to show the emergency generators that neighbors have complained about.
    David Wade, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Furthermore, evidence revealed the DTO was importing large quantities of Ketamine into Colorado.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • On the 13th of July, Dave Roberts will reveal his selection for the National League‘s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Back in town, the Albuquerque Museum presents an excellent special exhibition related to Route 66’s centennial through January 3, 2027.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • The payoff was a bevy of remarkable oil and pencil sketches (a stunning oil study can be seen in the Olana exhibition) as well as paintings.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The combination of flashing light and movement startles them.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
  • Disguised with a tactical uniform and realistic mask that covered his entire head, Boelter drove a fake police SUV with lights flashing to the legislators’ homes.
    Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Platner may be demonstrating it on the left.
    Matthew Shelter, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
  • Beyond laboratory measurements, the researchers demonstrated practical operation by powering a small LED lamp and charging a smartphone.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Sandberg, who unveiled a statue of his likeness outside Wrigley Field in June 2024, announced in December of that year that his prostate cancer had relapsed and spread to other organs.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • The reforms, unveiled by the Cuban government this week, are being presented as a strategy to address the country's deepening economic crisis.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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