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

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 four imap and nmap lines make the arrow keys move the cursor up and down in both normal and insert mode via display lines rather than the actual file lines, which really helps with arrow key navigation with long wrapping lines. Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026 This evening display will continue through the summer, with Venus reaching its peak brightness in mid-September. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
Verb
Updates can change how your device tracks or displays data. Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026 Salish baskets displayed near blackware pottery from Margaret Tafoya. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Dinosaurs is a 10-acre outdoor attraction featuring more than 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, along with walking trails, live shows and interactive exhibits.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora curated the mobile interactive mural exhibit, which evolved from the existing murals seen in Overtown that highlight the neighborhood’s history, and include a QR code for visitors to scan and learn about the stories behind them.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Defense attorneys countered with evidence that the protesters had planned to keep in contact with police and intended to leave the building voluntarily, arguing the demonstration was meant to be peaceful.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
  • Over the years, villagers in Roko-Roko held demonstrations, accusing the mining company of clearing community farmland and contaminating a local spring.
    NPR, NPR, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Several speakers pointed to a growing body of research showing that minor stops disproportionately affect Black and brown motorists and do little to combat violent crime while eroding public trust.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • In a recess behind the desk in Carnevali’s office a photo shows Squinzi and his wife Adriana Spazzoli holding the TIM Trophy at the Mapei in 2013.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • With the Moon now moving through your 7th House of Partnership, conversations become more direct, honest, and revealing in a useful way.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • Malone revealed that the Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2, with Jelly Roll and Carter Faith, will resume on May 16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Carly will modify her design according to the needs of future exhibitions, which include shows with Karen Kilimnik and Joseph Geagan; the latter’s will incorporate portraits of members of the Vegas scene, Carly among them.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • What most people get wrong is conflating the theme of the exhibition with the dress code for the evening.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Several entrances to its cannabis store parking lot were blocked by unmarked vehicles with flashing blue lights.
    Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • When the officers turned on their boat’s blue flashing lights to signal the commercial vessel to stop, someone threw a red bucket overboard, according to the report.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The ancestors demonstrate to the future the work that is yet to be done.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • In the ’90s, the blockbuster sales of two flea-and-tick medications, Frontline and Advantage, demonstrated untapped demand, and then intensified that demand by enabling new levels of indoor intimacy between dogs and people.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • When la Biennale de Venezia unveils its 61st International Arte Exhibition on May 9, the Kingdom of Morocco will have its first official national pavilion within the Arsenale.
    Amy Verner, Vogue, 2 May 2026
  • Sky has unveiled the hosts for the upcoming final two episodes of this first season in the shape of Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and Doctor Who‘s Ncuti Gatwa.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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