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
When unfurled, the two extra displays unfold like wings to create a larger landscape display. PC Magazine, 31 July 2025 Trim level options are limited to adding surround-view cameras and a head-up display, along with Volvo’s infamous integrated child booster seats. New Atlas, 31 July 2025
Verb
The museum is charged with collecting, preserving, and displaying aerospace objects and artifacts of historical interest and significance for current and future generations. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 July 2025 Artists can display and sell their works at the event. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The series is programmed to accompany the exhibit that first opened in 2024.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 July 2025
  • The free exhibit with light refreshments will be open to the public from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Beacons, 2245 Camino Vida Roble.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Live art demonstrations, children’s art activities, free entertainment and an outdoor food court will be on hand, and a July Easter egg hunt will be held.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • However, the two journalists continue to face multiple misdemeanor charges in connection with the demonstration on the John A. Roebling Bridge.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Play the Long Game: His 23-year tenure as principal and 40-year term as a councilman show that lasting change is a marathon, not a sprint.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Video shows fire rescue vehicles waiting on the tarmac as the plane made its landing.
    Matt Rehbein, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • In a clip revealing Season Five’s release date, Gomez, Martin, and Short barely make it through the announcement without cracking each other up.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
  • Lohan hit the red carpet Tuesday night alongside her Parent Trap costars Lisa Ann Walter and Elaine Hendrix, the latter of whom Entertainment Weekly previously revealed makes a cameo appearance in Disney's upcoming Freaky Friday sequel.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • This exhibition game precedes the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, which takes place on Saturday.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Anyone who has caught Vuitton’s roving exhibitions dedicated to travel, Volez, Voyagez, Voguez, knows the extent of the maison’s dedication to the art of travel.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Highly deserving of its praise, having won the Nobel Prize in 2022, The Years is constantly moving, mimicking how time might feel stagnant and yet flashing before our eyes.
    Vogue, Vogue, 29 July 2025
  • Aidan Chiles flashed potential with bouts of inconsistency in his first season with the Spartans after following coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Verses demonstrated EcoNet in March at the 2025 AI UK exhibition at the Turing Institute in London.
    Gabriel René, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025
  • By demonstrating ambition, clarity and joined up thinking locally, Manchester has built something that national government is now backing.
    Kath Mackay, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The winning name is set to be unveiled before next season kicks off, the team confirmed.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
  • The advent of fall festival season is officially upon us, with Venice and Toronto unveiling their initial lineups as the industry begins looking ahead to the next awards race.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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