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
This is the range of sculptural approaches on display across 120 years of US and Canadian practice. Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026 This is Britain’s soft power on display. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
These images are easy to fake or are displayed on fraudulent websites controlled by the scammer. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Birkin was a big believer that bags were meant to be used rather than displayed, and told Senga not to worry about signs of wear. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The exhibit has clearly become a draw for the zoo.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Some die-hard hometown Prince fans have been frustrated that more new exhibits and events don’t take place there beyond the annual Celebration around Prince’s June 7 birthday (coming up again June 3-7).
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In keeping with the sustainability themed food trucks offered free vegetarian food to encourage an eco-friendlier diet and a green-food demonstration by the UCLA Teaching Kitchen aimed to inspire Bruins to incorporate sustainable cooking in their everyday lives.
    Julianna Lozada, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Volocopter, which was acquired last year by Diamond Aircraft, expects to have a final prototype ready for flight tests in June, with a demonstration event scheduled for September and type certification planned for the end of 2026.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What was His message in turning over the tables, besides showing His rudeness?
    John Kenney, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The data showed that genetic markers for red hair are among 479 gene variants that have been strongly favored over the past 10,000 years.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The figures had cracked in many places and some of the statues revealed their complicated armature.
    Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • White took to social media after Hokit's win to reveal that a matchup between Hokit and Derrick Lewis had been added to UFC Freedom 250.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As one of the world’s preeminent art museums, the Prado hosts rotating exhibitions that always draw acclaim.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • This exhibition is included with garden admission.
    Kristine Sorensen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His yearning for Ruben’s approval and fear of his own desires are so acute that, when the show flashes forward to Niall’s wedding again, one half expects to see a woman waiting at the altar.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Scouts reportedly raved about his mobility, which flashed most obviously in pass protection.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Griffin lander will demonstrate its ability to land with no official NASA payload, but will touch down on Mons Mouton near the western rim of Nobile crater close to the lunar south pole.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
  • In the competitive landscape, the model is expected to go head-to-head with rivals such as the Geely Galaxy M9, a large plug-in hybrid SUV that has already demonstrated strong early market traction with more than 11,000 deliveries in just the first two months of the year.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Before noon, city leaders gathered to unveil a sign next to the new installation, located across from the original site near Lummus Park.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Meta unveiled a new AI model on Wednesday, sending the stock on a tear.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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