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

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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 area put on a display of yellow aspen trees dotting the mountains between evergreens, their delicate leaves vibrating in the wind. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 Consider adding a large decorative tray to corral coffee table books, candles, and plants, which creates an organized and personable display. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
In returning to a music business landscape that entirely transformed in her absence, Teng has displayed a good deal of agility herself. Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 Also displayed were a few cards of New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo. Mark Billingsley, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The canopy bed was a relic reserved for The Met’s Decorative Arts exhibits.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Applicants must demonstrate a consistent record of creative production or sales, such as taking part in art fairs, markets, exhibits or online sales.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There will be nearly 30 dealers and over 20 exhibits along with lapidary demonstrations, gem identification, kid’s zone, door prizes and grand prize raffle Trained Service Animals Only.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has moved to deploy US troops and federal law enforcement officials to major cities to target crime and counter demonstrations against his deportations of undocumented migrants even in the face of legal challenges.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mooresville spent $300,000 on drones for its police department this year, plus $20,250 in sales tax, records show.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Released hostages later reported seeing him alive, and in May 2025 Hamas released a video showing him alongside fellow hostage Elkana Buchbut.
    Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While pricing hasn’t been revealed, the company plans to release it later this year in partnership with Asus, Boxx, Dell, HP, and Supermicro.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In the film, Zenovich attempts to bring viewers into Chase’s inner world through interviews with his family, friends and co-stars, revealing what is beneath the surface of his bravado.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The exhibition showcases a diverse range of collections, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, works in wood and textiles, and more.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, David Seifert of D1Baseball recaps his visit to Fayetteville to watch Arkansas defeat Dallas Baptist in an exhibition game at Baum-Walker Stadium.
    Christina Long, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Troopers were investigating a report of a person lying in the right lane of traffic near a service truck parked on the shoulder with its hazard lights flashing, the release says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That’s a good way to avoid tailgating, flashing lights or a sounding horn — and possible road rage.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Like something out of an early Transformers movie, researchers at Caltech have just demonstrated how a humanoid and a drone can team up to accomplish multiple forms of movement.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The department intends to make sure participants have a safe space to demonstrate and intends stop any unlawful activity.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on Tuesday unveiled the lineups for its international competition and Envision sections.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The selections for the other competitive strands – spanning the International Short Film Competition, Ajyal Film Competition, judged by the festival’s youth jury, and the Made in Qatar Competition – will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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