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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
Smart Invert reverses the colors of the display except for images, media and some apps that use dark color styles. Jim Rossman, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 Off the field, Skattebo has continued to make headlines as a streamer, where his personality is put on full display. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
In the weeks that followed, the Knicks displayed the consistency Brunson had been chasing, capped by an NBA Cup title that cemented their status as Eastern Conference favorites. Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026 That was especially true at Dennis Basso, where brocade dresses were displayed underneath spotlights at the Columbus Citizen foundation, feeling right at home in the Gilded Age mansion’s foyer. Ari Stark, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The order also says officials must continue to properly maintain the site, including the grounds, video monitors, recordings and exhibits.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The artist’s sister, Tina Banas, said the exhibit was spectacular.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • One of the most striking demonstrations involved encoding an image of the Mona Lisa into the smart skin.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • On Tuesday, these demonstrations escalated as participants blocked harbor pilot operations at the port, forcing a suspension of ship movements between the jetties and the port’s outer anchorage.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Already, one in six families are in arrears, Wolfe said, noting the association’s preliminary review shows that household utility debt climbed to roughly $25 billion at the end of last year, up from about $23 billion the prior year.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The results showed that while standard chemical leaching struggled without gravity to move fluids, the microbes didn’t blink.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Similarly, footage showing federal agents killing Alex Pretti revealed the ICU nurse was holding a phone in his right hand, and an officer removing a gun from his back waistband before the shooting.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • During the sentencing hearing that began last week, prosecutors revealed the previously confidential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson's name and the shooting date found at his family's house in the Hedingham subdivision.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Portland’s Damian Lillard joined Bird and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as the only three-time winners with a stunning exhibition in the final round, ending up with a score of 29 — two better than runner-up and 2018 champion Devin Booker of Phoenix.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Being a part of the exhibition at MoMu then, alongside other contemporary designers like Studio Nazzal and Zeid Hijazi, feels particularly remarkable.
    Zoe Whitfield, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When asked about his goalie practicing the art of deception in Wild practices, Hynes flashed a broad smile and snapped into his Team USA headspace quickly.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Minutes after that, a Fort Worth police vehicle driven by Officer Brock Atkins turns right onto Northwest 20th Street with its lights flashing.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Set the tone through personal conduct, demonstrating patience, respect, and restraint.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Laid-off reporter Barry Svrluga broke an exclusive about Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin’s mother’s cancer diagnosis, demonstrating the value of experienced sports journalism.
    Andrew Dampf, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Balmain unveiled its bottles on the runway in 2024, as did Victoria Beckham.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The trio is part of the Extreme Sport series that the Swiss watchmaker unveiled in 2024.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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