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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
Tyson’s vulnerable side was also on display while speaking about his daughter dying tragically, God’s plan for him, and speaking about his mentor Cus D’Amato, which quite literally brought him to tears. Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 In this episode, her physicality as Patricia is on full display. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Verb
When using a pass, students leave their Chromebooks facing the teacher and displaying the pass, and hall monitors hold lists and photos of students out on a pass that include the remaining time. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 In this image taken from video footage provided by KGNS, Union Pacific signage is displayed at a rail yard in Laredo, Texas, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • This cultural event features a weekend full of authentic Greek cuisine, live music and cultural exhibits.
    Kayla Rivera, AJC.com, 12 May 2026
  • Below, Variety presents an exclusive set of images from the exhibit, including handwritten lyrics, original artwork, tour memorabilia and photos.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The mobile showroom itself is designed to replicate a traditional retail environment, with full-size mattress displays and demonstration tools.
    Wyles Daniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
  • Another turns downtown into Taste of Black Harrisburg, with food vendors, live mural painting, music, comedy, and chef demonstrations taking over the block.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • At a press conference Wednesday announcing the bill, lawmakers cited studies showing that the cost of playing youth sports has risen by 46% in five years, with many families paying more than $5,000 per child for a single season.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • Kelly, a four-year starter for South Lake, showed his ability to run the football and gained over 60 yards in the first game.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The necropsies also revealed pneumonia and infections from a broad array of pathogens.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • Strout indicates that their potential will be fulfilled in short, jump-ahead passages — one of the passages reveals that Artie inspires an awkward girl named Rhonda to help other people by becoming a minister.
    Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Those awards will be given out on the show’s closing day, on November 22, instead of during the exhibition’s public opening.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 May 2026
  • More than half a million people are expected to visit the monumental international art fair over the next six months to see the work of over 100 artists and 99 nations, spread across 31 permanent national pavilions and a series of other exhibition spaces.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Archival black-and-white photos tracing the history of sculpture—both works that inspired Brancusi along with those influenced by him—flash on the screen before the music picks back up.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
  • The stars, who have worked together on several of the house’s campaigns, warmly embraced and then immediately started gabbing as cameras flashed around them and fans clamored to get the perfect shot.
    Katie Abel, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • In reality, the incident had no bearing on subway construction—much of Los Angeles sits on or near petroleum and natural-gas deposits, and Metro engineers had already demonstrated that they were equipped to deal with the hazards—but the bill passed anyway.
    Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • Yet many of its students aren’t demonstrating even an elementary grasp of free speech.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Time Warner secretly agreed to the AOL purchase, and the two parties unveiled the merger in January of 2000.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • The Coalition for the Homeless unveiled its latest plan this week to modernize its downtown Orlando shelter capacity — a new $60 million building in Parramore resembling a mixed-use apartment.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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