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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

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
In a store, a display, conversation, sample, or neighboring product can reshape the original plan. Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026 There’s a 14in touchscreen, a digital driver’s display and plenty of dark trim, but Toyota hasn’t followed the trend for stripping out every physical button in the name of minimalism. Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Paramount Pictures logo is displayed on a water tower in Los Angeles, California, on August 6, 2026. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 The American Civil Liberties Union asked the Supreme Court on Monday to review a Texas law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, arguing the mandate violates students’ and parents’ First Amendment rights. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Created by Professor Antonio Faeti, an author and educator, the museum features exhibits on the role of shoes in fairy tales, travelers in search of discoveries, children who risk getting lost in the forest and more.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This is an exhibit that will feel different every time it is visited.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Iran’s economy was in a dire state before the war too, with poor economic conditions a key driving factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations which kicked off in the Iranian capital city Tehran in 2025.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The United States’ military drills with South Korea have long served as an annual demonstration of American commitment to its key ally’s security.
    Stella Kim, NBC news, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Estimates suggest that around 20% of US adults show disc degeneration by age 65.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Data from commodity analytics firm Kpler showed crossings at a five-day average of just 10 vessels, the lowest level since May.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • No obvious signs of trauma were found An autopsy performed Monday revealed no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death, the coroner’s office said.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Finding more examples like GJ 523b could help reveal whether these unusual worlds are rare exceptions or part of a broader population.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition is an excellent excuse to visit Ciutadella with its warren of atmospheric streets, much as Son Ermità is the perfect excuse to visit, or return to, Menorca.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The exhibition will feature 10 immersive zones, each inviting visitors into the world of Schulz (known as Sparky) and Peanuts, exploring his enduring influence on culture.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • More recently, the tiny Delica Mini has expanded the Delica's dominion, flashing some adventure and camping chops of its own.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Schools of ballyhoo and scaled sardines flash over the sand, while blue tangs, doctorfish, sergeant majors, black durgons, and the endemic Rocas gregory move among the rocks.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Shipping traffic remains severely restricted, demonstrating that many shipowners are not willing to risk a possible Iranian attack and underscoring Tehran’s ongoing leverage over Hormuz.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Government agencies should be expected to demonstrate the same commitment to competence, transparency, and adherence to the law.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In March, Fiddelke unveiled a $6 billion plan to reverse Target's sales slump and to reclaim the retailer's reputation as a place to go for affordable yet stylish apparel and home goods.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There has been no press conference or presentation event to unveil the Portuguese manager — a Real Madrid tradition that dates back more than 50 years.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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