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

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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
This film is a succinct display of craft in writing, directing, acting, and a deeply insightful depiction of the distorted state of American values today. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026 Taking in the scene, star gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin admired the décor–which incorporated a wall of kimberlite, the host rock for natural diamonds—as well as one-of-a-kind art works on display. Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Tencent logo is displayed on the exterior of a building at the company’s headquarters, with a surveillance camera visible in the foreground, on November 30, 2024, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 Earlier this month, Mississippi’s oldest synagogue was fire-bombed, and a little over a week ago, threatening signs displaying a swastika and a noose were found at Shalom Park, home to multiple Jewish organizations in Charlotte. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Honoring survivors does not end with speeches or museum exhibits.
    Talia Kaplan, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The multiday event offers interactive games, player appearances, exhibits, merchandise and hands-on football activities for fans of all ages.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The demonstrations began in late December in response to the collapsing value of the national currency -- the rial -- before morphing into a wider anti-regime movement which drew backing from dissidents abroad and Western governments.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Travelers are also advised to avoid any protests, as the demonstrations can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Professionals are implicitly urged to respond faster, compress the calendar and add more tracking to show work in motion.
    Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Earnings beat despite falling car sales The earnings report showed a company in transition.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • New England’s notoriously harsh weather once again revealed itself with a vengeance this past weekend, bringing extremely frigid temperatures to Connecticut and pummeling the state with nearly two feet of snow.
    Steve Sullivan, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The Kennedy cousin formerly at the center of the notorious case involving the death of Martha Moxley, the daughter of an affluent Connecticut family, has broken his silence to reveal new loose ends and theories regarding the decades-long mystery.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The first phase, which will be funded using the 2026 STAR bond issuance, will include 390,000 square-feet and 1,540 stalls of barn and exhibition space.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Of the other eight films in Variety’s selection, six are first solo feature debuts, reflecting Guadalajara’s status as a key platform for the exhibition and international promotion of new voices.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • His face seemed to flash through colors, his cheeks rouged, then went pink, then yellow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Outside, the world flashes by, a slideshow of rivers growing into oceans, deserts rising into mountains and cities sprawling then receding into darkness as the train thunders on through the night.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Mayor Mamdani can prove his critics wrong, and demonstrate his commitment to his principles, by making traditional Medicare a central pillar of his health policy.
    Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Each shot is composed with intention and elegance, and editor George Cragg demonstrates a keen understanding of which moments merit long, unbroken takes and when cuts are necessary.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In 2019, Amazon unveiled its plans to build a constellation of low Earth satellites.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Denmark plans tougher deportation laws COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Denmark unveiled a legal reform on Friday allowing foreigners who have been sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for serious crimes to be deported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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