display 1 of 2

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

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
One anonymous donor gave $10,000, while a $7,000 donation was listed with the display name of Kenan Thompson. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 On the second Saturday of the month, the North Shore comes alive with the Princeville Night Market, where more than 40 artists and craftspeople display ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and woodwork. Rachel Ng, AFAR Media, 7 May 2025
Verb
Utah’s law, which went into effect March 27 without Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s signature, banned government agencies and public schools from displaying flags on public property unless explicitly named in the bill. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 8 May 2025 New house numbers: $89.99 Strategically choosing and displaying house numbers can significantly enhance a home's curb appeal. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The mountain’s storied past is detailed via interactive exhibits in the stylish Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center, opened in 2021.
    Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
  • Interactive sports exhibit The California Science Center next to the Coliseum has opened a free interactive sports exhibit that will stay open through the 2028 Olympic Games.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • While protests around the Palais have been banned by the mayor of Cannes, a demonstration is being organized at approximately 6:30 p.m., starting near Cannes’ city hall and planning to end on the red carpet.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 May 2025
  • Last year, a small collection of staff working across the festival’s competition strands did mount a series of modest demonstrations to raise awareness about their working conditions.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Some 30 MiG 15s with North Korean and Chinese markings, though crewed by Soviet pilots, showed their superiority against an American force several times larger.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • The new pope is registered to vote in the Chicago suburbs, and voting records obtained by CBS News show he's voted in several general elections — along with both Democratic and Republican primaries.
    May 8, CBS News, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The list also reveals the male and female names that are the most popular: Olivia and Emma ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for girls, and Liam and Noah ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for boys.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The Women’s Super League (WSL), the top level of women’s football in England, has revealed a rebrand for the 2025-26 season.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • This new solo exhibition—her first in the United States, her first as a mother, and her most vulnerable yet—features 13 oil paintings Showering made during this intense period of change.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 8 May 2025
  • The gala’s coinciding exhibition at the Met was curated by author Monica L. Miller and rooted in her 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The new Steelers defensive lineman flashes his quick, strong hands and fluid hips, defeating the guard with a swim move.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Warning signs are flashing for our economy: Inflation is rising and 82% of Americans are already worried about a potential recession.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Previous research identified the behavior as a form of communication and demonstrated that the animals have individual drumming styles.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • But academic research has consistently demonstrated that stadiums are poor drivers of economic growth, and an analysis published earlier this year found that stadium projects spur little growth in local construction industries.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Republican House lawmakers on Friday unveiled legislation that would narrowly extend student loan forgiveness tax relief for borrowers and their families due to death and disability.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Fox on Monday became the third broadcast network (following CBS and NBC) to unveil its schedule for the Fall TV season.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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