parade 1 of 2

as in procession
a body of individuals moving along in an orderly and often ceremonial way a Fourth of July parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

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parade

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of parade are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and show. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

When is it sensible to use display instead of parade?

Although the words display and parade have much in common, display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When might exhibit be a better fit than parade?

The meanings of exhibit and parade largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

In what contexts can expose take the place of parade?

In some situations, the words expose and parade are roughly equivalent. However, expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

Where would flaunt be a reasonable alternative to parade?

While in some cases nearly identical to parade, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

When is show a more appropriate choice than parade?

While the synonyms show and parade are close in meaning, 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 parade
Noun
Military-history buffs who want a World War II–era Willys Jeep might pay $25,000 for one in good condition, and more than $40,000 for a pristine, parade-ready example. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025 And yet, like English weather at a summer wedding, Palmeiras have a track record for waiting until the biggest occasion to rain on the parade. Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
As the buses approached the stoplight, cars and trucks slowly paraded through the intersection and honked at every vehicle with an Iowa license plate. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Thousands of people gather in Mexico City’s zócalo (Constitution Plaza) and along Avenida Reforma to watch performers parade around dressed as colorful alebrijes (mythical creatures) or the elegant La Calavera Catrina. Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for parade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parade
Noun
  • His family said their final goodbyes to him during an emotional funeral procession on July 30, which took place in Birmingham.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, there will be workshops, two processions, altar displays, and Muertos Mercado (an artisan market).
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Moments later, O’Brien came away with an interception and the Cougars began marching right back up the field.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • As the roster improved, the Mariners never let a team march into T-Mobile Park and beat them that way again — right up until this ALCS.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Island of the Dolls Truly the stuff of Chucky nightmares, Mexico’s Island of the Dolls—La Isla de las Muñecas—amid the Xochimilco canals south of Mexico City is known for hundreds of dolls displayed throughout the island.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The best protection displayed during the Seattle Seahawks' win over the Houston Texans on Monday night wasn’t by anyone suited up on either sideline.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Noone, recognizing him as White, strode over.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Once the sun was above the Black Hills, the first wave of hikers, more than 1,000 people, strode past a welcome banner.
    New York Times, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But sometimes salt is a problem, as evidenced in a strangely entrancing photography exhibit at Berkeley’s David Brower Center.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • An art review on Friday about two Lu Yang exhibits in New York attributed an erroneous distinction to Lu Yang’s current exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image.
    New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Photos taken of the aftermath show the aircraft partially submerged in water near the airport's sea wall.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Steven Adler published an analysis showing that ChatGPT repeatedly and falsely reinforced one man’s delusions and psychological distress.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Troopers were investigating a report of a person lying in the right lane of traffic near a service truck parked on the shoulder with its hazard lights flashing, the release says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That’s a good way to avoid tailgating, flashing lights or a sounding horn — and possible road rage.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Both goals were waved off immediately.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Each loop of the driveway produced an impassable snowdrift in winter, but by then Carol and Mike were on the coast, watching waving kelp fronds from their living room.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Parade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parade. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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