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
Animal charity Blue Cross suggests that the best to place for their first meeting is outside, possibly in the garden or on a short walk close to home, to avoid any displays of territorial behavior. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 On the other side, a bar with a tall, glowing wine display. Up a spiral stone staircase, diners will find an open kitchen and spacious seating area with panoramic views of the city. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Verb
Rubber, slip-resistant hooves that adapt to different terrain Navigation system: Digital system that displays hydrogen levels, route maps, a rider's center of gravity and during night, projection markers on the road's surface to indicate the path ahead When will Corleo be released? Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 June 2025 The Levi’s iconic Red Tab appears under the Nike swoosh on the right shoe only, while the sole’s shank displays Levi’s red branding. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • These performances were intended to bring to light the role of fossil fuel giant BP in sponsoring the museum’s exhibits, and thus the Tate’s complicity in the climate change crisis.
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The fair features a wide variety of activities and events, including rides, entertainment, exhibits, food and more.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Most demonstrations were peaceful, particularly during the day, but some turned into violent riots, resulting in numerous arrests.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025
  • Dueling demonstrations, wars, immigration, inflation — any number of issues grab our attention daily.
    Anastasia G Mcateer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • What To Know The Susquehanna poll showed that Fetterman remains more popular than not with Pennsylvania voters, with 41 percent approving of him, compared to 37 percent disapproving.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Organizations must show top performers specific examples of how excellence has led to advancement within the company.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • One pivotal moment revealed the need to redirect our business model entirely.
    Michael Praeger, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Months after Megan Fox welcomed a baby girl with rapper Machine Gun Kelly, their daughter's name has been revealed through a sweet video.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The exhibition includes very early designs made from decaying fabrics.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
  • Titled after the 1995 album by Orange County riot grrrl band Emily’s Sassy Lime, featured artists in the show, the exhibition takes youth–its awkwardness, radicality, resilience–as both theme and inspiration.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement What Ennis fears, the violent murder that flashes through his mind when Lureen tells him of Jack’s death as a result of an exploding tire, is still happening.
    Rich Juzwiak, Time, 24 June 2025
  • The gambler made a bet, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen.
    Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Your contrarian takes demonstrate independent thinking that can't be faked or prompted into existence.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Some Social Security workers have demonstrated against the cuts at their offices.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Ahead the company’s mid-May upfront presentation in New York at Madison Square Garden, WBD president and CEO David Zaslav unveiled though that the name will be changed back to HBO Max.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
  • This morning at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Forbes unveiled its first-ever Accessibility 100 list, highlighting the biggest innovators and impact-makers in the field of accessibility for people with disabilities.
    Forbes Press Releases, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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