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

Relevance
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
The perpétuelle montre à tact showcases many of the key refinements and complications that Breguet perfected, including automatic winding, a calendar display, and an ingenious tact mechanism for telling the time silently or in darkness. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025 The first clip is Hundson presenting his cookie display to Leith and Hollywood. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
The accounts, reviewed by Fox News Digital, display an identical profile picture, consistent with the image cited in the affidavit. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025 Typically, Spotify Wrapped displays a user's top songs, artists and genres. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • And enormous murals, street art, and graffiti adorn the sides of countless buildings, effectively turning the Centro into an open-air exhibit.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Those costumes from the original Broadway production, including the Schuyler sisters’ winter ball gowns, Hamilton, Jefferson and Burr’s suits, as well as King George’s outfit, are all featured among the exhibit, too.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Row between stores The backlash towards Shein has extended beyond demonstrations on the street and government probes.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Both address vulnerabilities that adversaries already exploit—and both have recent, tangible demonstrations that turn theory into operational reality.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Air Mail’s fate shows that even the masters of the old form faced major headwinds when trying to navigate the new media landscape.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Video shows one agent restraining the man, then dragging him around as another agent helps pin him to the ground.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • That line—now the opening line of the novel—revealed that this time travel story would be about how to begin again.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Advanced spectroscopy and simulations revealed why.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In 2018, the Morgan Library & Museum was mounting a major Hujar exhibition, prompting Rosenkrantz to donate her transcript to the institution, which holds his collections.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • An exhibition game between Argentina and Puerto Rico, scheduled for October 13 at Soldier Field, was moved to Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • There were gaps and cracks at the metal flashing joints throughout the cook lines.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Euless Trinity flashed a new offensive wrinkle that will certainly draw attention from upcoming playoff opponents.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the work demonstrates that the coatings are functional, robust, and suited to long-term outdoor deployment.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The money both clubs have spent brings a demand and an expectation for trophy successes, but, as Liverpool demonstrated last season, there is a strength to be drawn from stability.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Microsoft unveiled a new category of PC that features generative artificial intelligence tools built into Windows, the company's world-leading operating system.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The annual list, which promotes top unproduced projects from up-and-coming UK talent, has just unveiled its winners at a gathering in London, with One Day actor Robert Cawsey’s Don’t Even Go There topping the list with 24 recommendations.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on display

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!