display 1 of 2

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

2 of 2

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
New aerial drones At the center of the aerial display was the GJ-11 stealth drone, a tailless flying wing design with internal weapons bays. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 Upon entering the Native North America Gallery, guests will encounter an empty case—recognizing repatriation and honoring Native views about which items are appropriate for display in museums—an essential point of discussion for the Indigenous consulting curators. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Historic stone churches display rainbow flags and Black Lives Matter signs, and even the narrowest side streets find room for bike lanes. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 Nearby, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium displays Southern California marine life and interactive experiences, while the 150-year-old Point Fermin Lighthouse is also open for tours. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Other exhibits tell more complex stories of how humans have interacted with the natural world throughout history.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • By midweek, the workplace apparently resembled a corporate museum exhibit.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The demonstration took place at the Cenex Expo 2025 and marks a step forward in building a circular economy for EV batteries.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • These witnesses pointed to China’s recent progress, including a crew vehicle abort-system test in June, a Long March 10 rocket static fire in August, and a moon lander demonstration, as evidence of a systematic push toward the lunar surface.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Golden stood out in training camp and the joint practices against the Colts and Seahawks, showing polished route running and explosive acceleration against NFL-level defensive backs.
    Cecil Merkerson III, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Dashcam footage shows a car driving in the wrong direction on a highway in Spanish Fork, Utah, nearly striking other vehicles in its path.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The incident reports speak little to the threats to traffic safety in Southeast Nashville but the data reveals another trend: census tracts that are 33%, 47% and 57% Hispanic or Latino.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Willis family revealed in March 2022 that Bruce had been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate, and was retiring from acting.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • When asked about giving fans a public opportunity to peek into Carrie's enviable closet, the Sex and the City star, 60, revealed during a recent Q&A, hosted by Threads, that an exhibition would definitely be possible, as the show has retained much of her character's wardrobe.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Dunn pointed out gleaming replicas of these artifacts, on display in the exhibition, alongside surfboards illustrating the evolution of the spot throughout history.
    Chloe Veltman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If a fan’s only window into football analytics is a contextless statistic that flashes on the screen, though, then they might be justified in thinking data was useless.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Warning signs have been flashing for months that the job market has been losing steam.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Watch Thelma on Hulu Kinds of Kindness Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this 2024 dark dramedy anthology is told across three loosely interwoven chapters, each exploring characters who take extraordinary measures to demonstrate their love to someone else.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Royals demonstrated patience and diligently worked favorable counts before landing the knockout blow.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 1996, the now-infamous Cinderella Castle Cake design was unveiled for the park's 25th anniversary.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • His role at Film4/Channel 4 has been split back into two and the permanent TV drama boss is yet to be unveiled, with Gwawr Lloyd currently in post on an interim basis.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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