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
However, at any one time, only between 6% to 7% of its total collection is ever on public display inside the museum’s 338,000 square feet. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025 This precise predation was on full display in another sighting in Singapore (Mandai), where a ~5-meter-long king cobra was seen battling — and eventually consuming — a 3-meter-long reticulated python. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Utah’s law, which went into effect March 27 without Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s signature, banned government agencies and public schools from displaying flags on public property unless explicitly named in the bill. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 8 May 2025 New house numbers: $89.99 Strategically choosing and displaying house numbers can significantly enhance a home's curb appeal. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • However, knowing that this year's exhibit explores the figure of the Black dandy, suit silhouettes like the Zoot suit or those of the Sapeurs originating in the Congo can be expected.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 4 May 2025
  • Taking into account the restaurants and food stands, interactive and educational exhibits, shops, and the arena itself, rodeo grounds can be as large as the event announcers’ personalities.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • The festival’s Folklife Area features demonstrations that celebrate the diverse and historical living traditions of Florida.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2025
  • Many early demonstrations of machine learning involved teaching computers to play games.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The new pope is registered to vote in the Chicago suburbs, and voting records obtained by CBS News show he's voted in several general elections — along with both Democratic and Republican primaries.
    May 8, CBS News, 9 May 2025
  • Videos show activists, many of whom were wearing keffiyehs, yelling and swearing as police officers attempted to get the unruly crowd under control.
    Andrea Margolis , Kitty Le Claire, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Belichick-Hudson interview reveals North Carolina may be headed for train wreck | Opinion Don’t let this ruin your beach trip!
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • By month’s end, the right path should reveal itself.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The gala’s coinciding exhibition at the Met was curated by author Monica L. Miller and rooted in her 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025
  • This new solo exhibition—her first in the United States, her first as a mother, and her most vulnerable yet—features 13 oil paintings Showering made during this intense period of change.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The movie’s closing credits flash the original title Thunderbolts* on screen, then tears away the word like a comic book page, revealing the squad’s new moniker.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • His shot was well struck… but flashed just past the far post.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • United States Immigrant rights supporters demonstrate during a May Day rally outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on May 1, 2025.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 May 2025
  • In 1832, French mathematician Évariste Galois demonstrated how the mathematical symmetry behind the methods used to resolve lower-order polynomials became impossible for degree five and higher polynomials.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • In announcing a $1-billion renovation of Honda Center, the Ducks are unveiling what might be the most fan-friendly policy ever adopted in our car-centric local culture: easy parking.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Republicans serving on the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday unveiled a new spending bill, which, if passed, would implement an annual fee of $20 for most car owners.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 11 May. 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!