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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

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
Fair attendance was reportedly lackluster, and the event experienced several technical issues that included frequent power outages and a display of the Confederate flag. Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 At the same time, exhibitors will be encouraged to present solo and two-artist booths instead of the larger group displays that have become standard at most art fairs. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026
Verb
With Saturday’s first-round pick, the Cubs displayed confidence in their ability to develop Townsend, 21, a draft-eligible sophomore from an SEC program that reached this year’s College World Series. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 12 July 2026 Thiero delivered a breakaway windmill dunk in the second quarter Friday that brought cheers from the fans, a moment in which the second-year Lakers forward displayed his athleticism. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The proceedings were frequently bogged down by arguments over whether certain exhibits could be admitted into evidence and publicly broadcast via a camera in the courtroom.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Best Shopping Plaka Pore over a fascinating array of sand exhibits and pick up memorabilia made with sand, wood, and glass from Milos Sand Gallery.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The model can also adapt to new manipulation tasks with as few as 20 demonstrations through in-context learning, eliminating the need for parameter updates.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • California Contractors work on building a new house as survivors of the 2025 Eaton Fire hold a demonstration in Altadena, California, on June 29, 2026.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • The compensation study completed last December showed many positions were at or above the 50th percentile among comparable agencies, including the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and Cameron Park Community Services District.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Surveillance footage obtained by The Associated Press appears to show a white sedan, believed to be Durán Guerrero on his way to work, driving in circles near an intersection before an unmarked vehicle blocks its path.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The road climbs through green mountains before suddenly revealing the Atlantic Ocean.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The actor also revealed that audiences almost saw a very different ending.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition coincides with Oyer’s fifth portrait book release, which features selections from his extensive archive.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The exhibition comes about two years after Brown began fully embracing her identity as a trans woman.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The governor of Missouri declared a state of emergency on Friday in response to flash flooding.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • An important index for chip stocks is flashing a technical warning sign, possibly signaling a drawdown of as much as 17%, according to investment bank BTIG.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • As demonstrated by the Mythos breach, advanced AI models can find latent, decades-old software and configuration flaws across an entire technological infrastructure in a matter of hours.
    Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • The revelations about the tattoo and the online comments stirred concern among Democrats that Platner had been poorly vetted as a political candidate and demonstrated questionable judgment.
    Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Nearly a year later, the city unveiled a series of street sign toppers on South Calhoun Street to honor Bridges.
    Brayden Garcia July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The seat-block option comes four months after United unveiled a new Relax Row option, a row of three economy seats with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create a lie-flat sleeping area.
    Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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