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

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 Coupe de France trophy will join the display in KC after this season’s championship final is contest in late May. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026 Two of his other strikes this term—against Nigeria on Christmas Day and Iran last June—were impressive one-off displays of military precision. Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Its gently curved silhouette and considered material palette (think warm wood and refined metal) bring an artistic sensibility to functional shelving, proving that displaying and organizing books and other objects can be its own kind of design statement. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 Given the remarkable radiation tolerance displayed by the molds discovered at Chernobyl, fungi might also provide radiation shielding — Maurer imagines growing thin layers of them inside the inflated buildings to shield the astronauts living within. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Paul and Monique are part of the concept team behind the current exhibit Street Food City, which opened at Brooklyn’s Museum of Food and Drink in December 2025.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In the coming years, Mello said her team is looking to expand Woolsey’s reach even further by renovating an area of the museum — which currently displays historic agricultural equipment — to be a child-centric exhibit combining the history of Sacramento children with play and interaction.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The mission, expected to last about 10 days, is a critical demonstration that NASA's Orion crew capsule can handle a lunar mission with humans aboard before a landing is attempted as early as 2028.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The 1,000 m² space overlooking the old port view will boast a large virtual production demonstration stage this year as well as booths and conference spaces.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The film also was shown at a number of other festivals before hitting the awards circuit as the Palestinian entry for this year’s Academy Awards.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Another did not investigate a claim that a resident was stabbed by a fork-wielding manager, records show.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Investigators say that their preliminary findings revealed that the utility truck was turning left from the driveway of the Edison substation on Menifee Road when the collision occurred.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • No date revealed yet for the Hunt-Green merger.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Proceeds from the annual registration fee would help fund lowrider public exhibitions, cultural events and programs that preserve lowrider history.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Illinois’ march to the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis began in October with a 92-65 exhibition victory over Illinois State — which played Thursday night in the NIT semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are blinking bacteria, flaming fungus, shimmering squid, and flashing fish.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • But someone might want to mention to the president that flashing a big gold statue of himself while cities are still doing cleanup from enormous No Kings marches might seem funny to some.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Union League, in contrast, was for those who could demonstrate their commitment to the national cause, and its clubhouse quickly became a place to get the latest news from the Southern battlefields.
    Michael Gorra, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • When lyrics reference the specific facts of an alleged crime, and prosecutors can demonstrate they were intended as literal statements, not artistic expression — that evidence remains admissible.
    Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Also in China, the world’s longest outdoor escalator was unveiled this week in Chongqing.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Stubby figure will be unveiled at the museum.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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