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
The outcome served as a rare rebuke of leadership and a display of how Democrats could exploit narrow House margins despite GOP control of Congress and the White House. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026 Besides the presentation, there are booths and displays with information reinforcing what is presented. Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
For the semiquincentennial celebrations, there will be replicas displayed across Philadelphia and around the state. Nikki Dementri, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 People can come out and sell their products, display their products. Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.
    Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Variety is encouraged, and the exhibit aims to showcase a range of mediums, from painters to mixed-media artists and photographers.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Few teams from any conference can compare with the Hoosiers’ season-long demonstration of balanced strong play.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Nationwide protests are underway after the shooting death of 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, including one demonstration Friday evening in South Florida.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jail records show Gatica faces charges of DUI causing death or bodily injury and hit-and-run causing death or bodily injury.
    Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • From the 15th century down to the present day, the Church has constructed an identity and a past at odds with what the records show—expanding the authority and power of the papacy in ways that have striking broader political implications.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The images revealed both the mass and an affected lymph node, confirming the presence of cancer cells.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • However, in November, Zubimendi revealed a more subconscious benefit to playing chess.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Look for exhibitions that showcase different representations of beauty.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, will host a Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade on July 2, two new galleries at the National Constitution Center, an expansive exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a World Cup match on Independence Day.
    New York Times, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Elsewhere, swallows flashed across the surface of the water.
    Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The final few scenes of His & Hers flashes to a year after the murders and shows that Anna and Jack are, indeed, back together.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the work demonstrates that the coatings are functional, robust, and suited to long-term outdoor deployment.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The money both clubs have spent brings a demand and an expectation for trophy successes, but, as Liverpool demonstrated last season, there is a strength to be drawn from stability.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Lucid Group, Nuro, and Uber have unveiled the production-intent robotaxi that will power their upcoming global autonomous ride-hailing service.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Newsom is expected to unveil key priorities for his final year Thursday morning in a State of the State address before lawmakers.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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