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

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 display avoids harsh luminance spikes and incorporates hardware-level low-blue-light technology, helping to maintain visual comfort during extended rehearsals and performances. William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026 In partnership with Butterfly Pavilion, families can also explore interactive moments, educational displays and a kid-friendly scavenger hunt celebrating the magic of pollinators. Laura Daily, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
Verb
This includes aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications to vote, posing as an elections worker, spreading false information about voting requirements, displaying false signs about fraud or other harassment, the ACLU said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 Halberstam called Heat games on radio from 1992 to 1998, displaying a lyrical style and a rich command of the English language. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The Lounge hosts rotating art exhibits, spotlighting thought-provoking pieces like ceramics from Thai artist Bathma Kaew-Ngok and showstopping floral arrangements by Naomi Daimaru.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Thanks to demand for continued access, the museum created a book and webpage for the temporary exhibit — a practice that’s since been extended to other temporary exhibitions at the museum.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Angered by the demonstration, Keenan first screamed at the protesters and then spit in the face of one.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • What the Ohio State study adds is a direct comparison with urban warming in the same experiment, and a demonstration that even at the low intensities characteristic of ordinary residential lighting, light pollution wins.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Another showed the roof destroyed, with rubble scattered on the ground as emergency responders surveyed the aftermath.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • Displays show campaign ephemera and memorabilia, from Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE poster to children’s drawings.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • In May, reports revealed plans for an ICE facility on unincorporated land in southern Santa Clara County.
    Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
  • He was taken to the emergency room at a local hospital, where tests revealed a golf ball-sized tumor in his brain.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Concentration Camps, Hitler And The Allies One of the highlights of the exhibition are Miller’s war photographs, particularly those of the concentration camps and Hitler’s apartment.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • That approach and the push into streaming-first exhibition during the pandemic was debilitating to the once-proud studio.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Miller, 26, flashed potential with the Rangers but also struggled at times, playing for three coaching staffs and frequently being deployed in matchup minutes with mismatched partners.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Worthy, who finished with 42 receptions for 532 yards and one touchdown in 2025, his second season in the NFL, flashed some highlight receptions from Mahomes during Thursday’s 7-on-7.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Americans for Prosperity sponsored a striking display in the DECC’s Pioneer Hall, demonstrating the scale of the state’s fraud losses with faux $100 bills stacked in volumes that would total $2 billion.
    Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
  • The findings reveal that workers aren’t shrinking back in the face of rapid automation but instead are demonstrating a capacity for resilience and self-empowerment.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival has unveiled the competition lineup for its Golden Goblet Awards, spanning five categories across fiction, documentary, animation, and short film.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 May 2026
  • The California manufacture has unveiled a beastly off-roader that can be kitted out to protect you from any pending world-wide catastrophes.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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