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
However, at any one time, only between 6% to 7% of its total collection is ever on public display inside the museum’s 338,000 square feet. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025 This precise predation was on full display in another sighting in Singapore (Mandai), where a ~5-meter-long king cobra was seen battling — and eventually consuming — a 3-meter-long reticulated python. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
These images went on to be displayed across posters, mugs, magnets and many other collectibles marking the historic event. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Russell displayed signs of methamphetamine use, according to the filing. Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The addition to the west will not only include exhibit space, but a new restaurant and theater space whose views open to the south lawn.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Asawa’s own words posted throughout the exhibit reflect the simplicity of her genius.
    Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The festival’s Folklife Area features demonstrations that celebrate the diverse and historical living traditions of Florida.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2025
  • Many early demonstrations of machine learning involved teaching computers to play games.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • An online database that tracks ship movements shows the Mohawk has been docked in its home port since mid-March.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Text messages sent in the hours leading up to O’Keefe’s death read aloud to the court by a Massachusetts state trooper show the couple were at a strained point in their relationship.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Belichick-Hudson interview reveals North Carolina may be headed for train wreck | Opinion Don’t let this ruin your beach trip!
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • By month’s end, the right path should reveal itself.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The exhibitions for Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary sales open May 2 and run through May 15 at the house’s York Avenue galleries.
    Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The exhibition, which opens tonight, is on view through June 21.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Lanes split, signs flash, exits appear too soon or too late.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • However, Walker has flashed great athleticism in space with incredible range and physicality.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • United States Immigrant rights supporters demonstrate during a May Day rally outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on May 1, 2025.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 May 2025
  • Here, though, Kim demonstrates some good things come in tubes, such as his gochujang red pepper paste.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Republicans serving on the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday unveiled a new spending bill, which, if passed, would implement an annual fee of $20 for most car owners.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In Brussels, the European Commission unveiled an almost-final draft of the digital-euro bill on 9 April, then instructed the ECB to pick technology partners by early autumn.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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