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

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

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
Low-elevation blooms are already in full display through mid- to late March, while higher elevations will follow in April, stretching the desert’s seasonal awakening into early summer. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026 Offer availability, placement, and display are determined by the third party and may be influenced by compensation and other factors. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Rochon displayed the disturbing photo to illustrate the barriers once faced by Black students who were pursuing higher education. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026 This content can only be displayed if JavaScript is enabled. Dan Raby, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Admission gives you access to educational exhibits and adorable animals, from Beluga Whales to penguins.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The exhibit will feature works from Morris’ six decades of art.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Navarro, his daughter Saily Navarro and other prominent dissidents like artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and musician Maykel Castillo, all convicted for participating in islandwide demonstrations against the government on July 11, 2021, are still in prison.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Attorneys for the defendants say it was supposed to be a peaceful noise demonstration turned wrong when an officer was shot during an altercation with a protester.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The results showed that women eventually diagnosed with either of these two conditions — 849 with mild cognitive impairment and 752 with dementia — had larger amounts of p-tau217 in their initial blood sample way back in the mid-to-late 1990s.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Phillip Hayes, the attorney for Song, said there is evidence that shows the bullet that struck Lt.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The result revealed a surprising pattern—superconductivity appeared and strengthened over a specific range of conditions, forming a curved region known as a superconducting dome.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
  • While Luis and the boys wore their DC United jerseys and scarves, Silvia unzipped her coat to reveal a pink Messi jersey.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The center hosts exhibitions, educational opportunities, and workshops, and many artists show and sell their work in local village galleries.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Before opening the show in London, Opie had been in Germany installing another solo exhibition at the Fridericianum museum in Kassel.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Bessent flashed his yellow light about letting the industry into retirement plans at a time of fresh challenges for firms that deal in both private credit and equity.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • On large stages, the leading minds in the technology world have the conversations often lost among the flashing neon lights and interactive plasma screens.
    Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But as the first few days of the joint men’s and women’s event have demonstrated yet again, there is sometimes a bit of hell in tennis’ Garden of Eden.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • By framing pricing as a strategy that can adapt to real-time feedback, the broker demonstrates awareness and flexibility.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meta unveiled its prototype glasses in September.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • True/False, a program of the Ragtag Film Society, is unveiling a remarkable number of world premieres by the standards of a regional festival.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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