exhibit 1 of 2

Definition of exhibitnext
as in exhibition
a public showing of objects of interest a touring exhibit of national treasures from the Smithsonian Institution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

exhibit

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exhibit different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of exhibit are display, expose, flaunt, parade, and show. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When could display be used to replace exhibit?

The meanings of display and exhibit largely overlap; however, display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When can expose be used instead of exhibit?

The words expose and exhibit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 exhibit?

The synonyms flaunt and exhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

When is parade a more appropriate choice than exhibit?

While the synonyms parade and exhibit are close in meaning, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

When would show be a good substitute for exhibit?

Although the words show and exhibit have much in common, show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

How is the word exhibit different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of exhibit are display, expose, flaunt, parade, and show. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When could display be used to replace exhibit?

The meanings of display and exhibit largely overlap; however, display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When can expose be used instead of exhibit?

The words expose and exhibit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 exhibit?

The synonyms flaunt and exhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

When is parade a more appropriate choice than exhibit?

While the synonyms parade and exhibit are close in meaning, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

When would show be a good substitute for exhibit?

Although the words show and exhibit have much in common, 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 exhibit
Noun
The exhibit’s main goal is to remind people of all that labor curators do under the radar, while offering the simultaneous pleasure of looking at some attention-worthy things. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026 The event also celebrates the new CV-8 Doolittle Raid exhibit. Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Hosted at the Eno Arts Mill, a historic mill that now serves as a multidisciplinary art gathering space, the gallery features the works of more than 30 Orange County artists who both work and exhibit in the space. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 Joseph Wright chased that question in the set of paintings that the National Gallery is currently exhibiting. Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhibit
Noun
  • Carly will modify her design according to the needs of future exhibitions, which include shows with Karen Kilimnik and Joseph Geagan; the latter’s will incorporate portraits of members of the Vegas scene, Carly among them.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • What most people get wrong is conflating the theme of the exhibition with the dress code for the evening.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Mata was also concerned about how the data failed to display how INA staff works with the lowest English proficiency students in the district — specifically those who are unschooled, and oftentimes refugees who have just entered the country.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Pennsylvania Governor could be seen bustling around his office, being sure to display all of his Eagles gear to prepare for the mystery visit.
    Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Many fans came to show their support for the third-year forward, whom the Sky traded to the Dream on April 6 for two future first-round draft picks.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Game 5 showed two things at once.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When la Biennale de Venezia unveils its 61st International Arte Exhibition on May 9, the Kingdom of Morocco will have its first official national pavilion within the Arsenale.
    Amy Verner, Vogue, 2 May 2026
  • Sky has unveiled the hosts for the upcoming final two episodes of this first season in the shape of Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and Doctor Who‘s Ncuti Gatwa.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhibit. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exhibit

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster