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

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
Rows of officials sat behind computer screens while giant displays tracked the storm and the state’s response. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Electronic devices often depend on thin-film transistors Electronic devices often depend on thin-film transistors, which control the movement of electrical signals and are widely used in display technologies and other electronic applications. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
Walters then displayed the rifle and threatened the woman before leaving, sheriff’s officials said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Some victims told police the phone number displayed on their caller ID matched the number printed on their debit cards, making the calls appear legitimate. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Temporary exhibits have ranged from a look at American paintings in the 1930s to French art critic Guillaume Apollinaire.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The exhibit was recognition of Cole's success attracting younger fans who enjoy such shenanigans as a pitcher throwing the ball while on stilts and outs being counted when a fan catches a foul ball in the stands.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For now, much of this work is still hypothetical; Pacific Fusion’s campus, of which the demonstration facility is part, is currently under construction at the end of Pacific Fusion Drive.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Learning from human demonstrations offers another way to develop skills by using examples of how a task should be performed.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Video on social media showed distressed shopkeepers begging young men to stop stealing their inventory—and those young men pushing them aside to grab shoes and food from their shelves.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The analysis showed that quantum mechanics does indeed put a speed limit on how quickly different quantum systems can reach a thermal equilibrium.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The extra baggage negates the weightlessness, revealing a more flawed and earthbound iteration of the band.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • When scandals are revealed, teams and leagues with close ties to gambling companies are accused of hypocrisy.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition highlights how trade routes connected the Arabian Gulf, East Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia through the exchange of spices, pearls, textiles, jewelry, and religious beliefs.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The property has partnered with Villa del Arte, an international contemporary gallery, to create an exhibition program that extends from a dedicated indoor space into the gardens and terraces.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While parts of the Southwest are rocky with little vegetation and are naturally prone to flash flooding, the recent rains made flooding everywhere more likely.
    — MEAD GRUVER, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • To that, Gordon flashed his patented big smile and let out a little chuckle.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In his telling, the military campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran demonstrate the value of uncompromising power.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Completing the flight test just weeks after a captive-carry event demonstrated how quickly the program progressed through its testing sequence.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The 42nd edition of the Warsaw International Film Festival is wrapping up on Sunday after its winners were unveiled during a Saturday night awards ceremony.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
  • When Tesla first unveiled its second-generation Roadster in November 2017, flying wasn’t part of the pitch.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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