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

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
Michael Coard, one of the founding members of Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, which was one of the groups involved in the original creation of the President's House exhibit in the early 2000s, also joined Rufe for Monday's inspection. CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026 Digital detox spaces and innovative spa treatments will help guests escape from everyday life, while rotating art exhibits and activities like cooking classes, wine pairings, and cultural immersions will offer meaningful connections to the destination. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Although the 5,550-year-old middle-aged hunter-gatherer exhibited no visible signs of disease, researchers found traces of a previously unknown species of treponemes—bacteria that cause yaws, bejel, syphilis, and pinta—after analyzing extracted DNA from his tibia. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026 On rare occasions over the last two decades, SPARTA has been referenced in amicus briefs—which are advocacy documents by parties not in a case—and assorted litigation exhibits usually not central to a dispute. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhibit
Noun
  • And for the first time, the Puppy Bowl will spotlight senior dogs in a special halftime exhibition game between Team Oldies and Team Goldies.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The exhibition opened with a Friday celebration that featured poetry, live art and two short films.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Behind him was a screen displaying X posts.
    Donald Moynihan, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Heartfield’s 1934 image, used on the front cover of the left-wing Workers’ Illustrated Magazine (Arbeiter-Illustrierte-Zeitung) shows Joseph Goebbels, chief Nazi propagandist, as Hitler’s barber.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Citi noted that market positioning continues to reflect supply concerns, with oil for near-term delivery trading at a premium to later months, and skewed call option pricing showing that traders are still paying up for protection against higher prices.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The incoming Dutch coalition government that is expected to be sworn in later this month has unveiled plans to boost the nation's military to 122,000.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Although the College Football Playoff will remain a 12-team field in 2026, the tournament's committee has unveiled postseason dates and bowl sites for the next two seasons.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhibit. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exhibit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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