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
Due to its delicate nature, this wreath is best for indoor display—maybe as a statement piece in a gallery wall or surrounding an otherwise drab fruit bowl. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025 Meta and Luxottica in 2023 launched the second edition of their smart glasses, and the two companies are set to roll out a third generation of the glasses with a small display, CNBC previously reported. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 20 May 2025
Verb
What is a foreign start to a Grand Tour supposed to display? Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The film around him displays similarly little interest in forcing the matter, even after Mike is released from jail — now sober for seven months — and lands a job as a cook at a low-rent hotel on the outskirts of town. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The mountain’s storied past is detailed via interactive exhibits in the stylish Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center, opened in 2021.
    Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
  • Interactive sports exhibit The California Science Center next to the Coliseum has opened a free interactive sports exhibit that will stay open through the 2028 Olympic Games.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • In one of its most high-profile demonstrations, AIRCO powered a Polaris MRZR tactical vehicle at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Last year, a small collection of staff working across the festival’s competition strands did mount a series of modest demonstrations to raise awareness about their working conditions.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Someone whose results show elevated levels may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • In fact, a recent study from Deloitte actually showed that around 25% of currently existing Bitcoins—a figure that amounts to roughly $40 billion—are currently vulnerable to quantum attacks.
    Amit Sinha, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Phase 2 redevelopment of the Fort Worth Stockyards may be on hold due to disputes between the project’s developers, court documents have revealed.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • Biopsies of their tongues also revealed that those taking semaglutide had greater activity of genes that may be involved in taste bud renewal and transmission of nerve signals related to taste.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing won the competitive midseason exhibition race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday night.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
  • The joint practice or practices would be at least two days before the exhibition game.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The new Steelers defensive lineman flashes his quick, strong hands and fluid hips, defeating the guard with a swim move.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Warning signs are flashing for our economy: Inflation is rising and 82% of Americans are already worried about a potential recession.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • But hundreds of thousands of Israelis demonstrate against the war each week, demanding the government agrees a ceasefire deal to release all the hostages still held in the strip.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
  • In November 2024, Russia demonstrated the capabilities of its own hypersonic missile with an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, going on television shortly afterwards to boast about the weapons capabilities.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The first Balenciaga collection under Piccioli’s creative direction will be unveiled in October 2025.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Intel showed off a few potential Panther Lake laptop designs at Computex, but only MSI was bold enough to unveil off its work-in-progress models.
    & Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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