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
This film is a succinct display of craft in writing, directing, acting, and a deeply insightful depiction of the distorted state of American values today. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026 Taking in the scene, star gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin admired the décor–which incorporated a wall of kimberlite, the host rock for natural diamonds—as well as one-of-a-kind art works on display. Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Tencent logo is displayed on the exterior of a building at the company’s headquarters, with a surveillance camera visible in the foreground, on November 30, 2024, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 Earlier this month, Mississippi’s oldest synagogue was fire-bombed, and a little over a week ago, threatening signs displaying a swastika and a noose were found at Shalom Park, home to multiple Jewish organizations in Charlotte. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Honoring survivors does not end with speeches or museum exhibits.
    Talia Kaplan, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The multiday event offers interactive games, player appearances, exhibits, merchandise and hands-on football activities for fans of all ages.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The event includes hands-on demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products and services exhibitors, plant sales and face-to-face consultations with home improvement experts.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Bridgeman via Getty Images Wise understood that Tupperware needed demonstration, not promotion.
    Paula de la Cruz, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Professionals are implicitly urged to respond faster, compress the calendar and add more tracking to show work in motion.
    Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Earnings beat despite falling car sales The earnings report showed a company in transition.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In doing so, something incredible is revealed — the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower will coincide with a total solar eclipse.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Earth's moon is an awe-inspiring sight, especially when viewed through the magnifying eyepiece of a telescope, which helps reveal the incredible array of craters scarring its ancient surface.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Cody Rhodes faced Jacob Fatu in the first of what could be many matches, while AJ Styles competed in an exhibition against Shinsuke Nakamura.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • These provide invaluable details about filmmaker’s lives and careers, and the Academy Museum regularly draws on the Academy Foundation’s library and film archive materials for its exhibitions and film screenings.
    Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Franks said their now famous wings start with good-sized wings, which are then brined, baked, then flash fried before being tossed into the flavors and then served.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
  • This stretch has been far from perfect, but Jakucionis has also flashed his intriguing potential as a playmaking guard who also has opened eyes with his hustle, improved three-point shooting and physicality on both ends of the court.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • My hope is that by opening a film set in a room full of folks dealing with drug addiction that people can hopefully learn to care for and love them, and that can have a large impact by challenging our assumptions about people and help demonstrate paths forward.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The incident demonstrated how little current space traffic monitors know about the behavior of stuff returning from orbit.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Officials from the Minnesota Wild unveiled the future site at center ice on the rink in Hastings, at the conclusion of the 2026 event, which was played before decent crowds despite the dangerously cold weather.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Locals make Top 100 Earlier this week Baseball America unveiled its 2026 Top 100 Prospect Rankings, and four Red Sox players made the cut.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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