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

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
Nearby is a wine room with stone finishes, custom racks and glass display cabinetry. Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026 The second floor landing by Blue Brick Design Designer Lara Hovanessian has transformed the foyer walls of both the first and second floors into a striking display for local artists Blakeney, Susanna Speirs Ali and Lareina Holsopple. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Updates can change how your device tracks or displays data. Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026 Salish baskets displayed near blackware pottery from Margaret Tafoya. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Dinosaurs is a 10-acre outdoor attraction featuring more than 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, along with walking trails, live shows and interactive exhibits.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora curated the mobile interactive mural exhibit, which evolved from the existing murals seen in Overtown that highlight the neighborhood’s history, and include a QR code for visitors to scan and learn about the stories behind them.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Weeks later, those plans remain as communities nationwide see demonstrations of their own.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The event includes workshops and demonstrations and an impressive lineup of performers.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 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
  • New research reveals a potential link between GLP-1 drugs and improvements in myriad health conditions, including sleep apnea, joint pain, liver disease, heart disease, asthma, and even addiction.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The strike reveals how Russia’s invasion has made once-unthinkable nuclear security threats a reality.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The latest installments in this series are the most eye-catching of the nearly twenty works in Chan’s exhibition at the gallery Greene Naftali.
    Dawn Chan, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Following exhibitions in 2018 and 2019, however, Olympic inclusion was scrapped when COVID-19 delayed the Games.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The one that keeps flashing in my mind in the current call to ratchet down the incendiary rhetoric was Don Jr’s reaction to the near-fatal 2022 home invasion attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
  • To the left, drivers pay no mind to a flashing beacon announcing the school zone, said Gerardo Sandoval, a parent of a student at the south Charlotte magnet school.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Hungarians demonstrated that a moment of divisiveness can be converted into a moment of collective agency.
    Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In both matches under McFarlane, Chelsea’s players demonstrated decent defensive organisation and good energy in their press in the final third.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The White House has unveiled new details about next week’s state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, highlighting a pair of unexpected events during the four-day trip commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Additionally, it was unveiled at LVL UP Expo that the first half of the fifteen-episode third season of Helluva Boss, another series in the Hellaverse universe, is expected to be released on Prime Video in fall 2026, with the second half dropping in 2027.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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