parade 1 of 2

Definition of paradenext
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
One would still occasionally see a Black Pentecostal church parade on a Sunday afternoon — white-turbaned women, drums and a horn section playing loud gospel music. Naomi Jackson, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026 Yep, the extra-long float representing Prince’s pop brings up the rear of the nightly parade again. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Brooks is serving six consecutive life sentences plus 762 years for the death and injuries parade participants suffered in November 2021. Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 27 Jan. 2026 And there’s Faithfull, watching her past paraded before her with an amused smile and a sense of high irony still intact. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parade
Noun
  • The smell of methanol racing fuel and the buzz of anticipation filled Lucas Oil Stadium as a procession of monster trucks rumbled into position for Monster Jam’s two-show weekend on January 31 and February 1.
    Travis LaCoss, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Following the service, a law enforcement procession will depart from 12Stone Church and travel to Tim Stewart Funeral Home in Lawrenceville.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Processions of awestruck people from all over the world—selfie-taking women in saris, chatty Mexican children, grinning Hare Krishna—marched along a paved path, heads craned upward toward the water.
    Alice Gregory, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Then, on Wednesday, students from Proviso’s three high schools — Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy, Proviso West High School and Proviso East High School — also took to the street, marching for about 2 miles from their respective school buildings.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The No Vigilantes Act required any law enforcement officer operating in California to visibly display identification, including the name of their agency and their name or badge number, except in undercover and other specific scenarios.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • For several months, a mysterious sign displayed in the windows of vacant storefront in Shorewood has intrigued passersby along Capitol Drive.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mercury is striding into your public 10th house, boosting your visibility and encouraging you to offer updates that show your strengths without oversharing.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • None of them had any idea as to what was wrong with Nix until Payton, in street clothes, strode back to the postgame podium for the second time Saturday night after the madness cleared.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • From setting records as a Texas high school prep star to announcing his presence to the world in the Rose Bowl to becoming the NFL receiving king, Smith-Njigba has exhibited excellence at every level.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Over the long weekend, the fairgrounds buzzed with industry operators discovering the spring 2026 collections of more than 1,200 exhibiting brands.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Already, one in six families are in arrears, Wolfe said, noting the association’s preliminary review shows that household utility debt climbed to roughly $25 billion at the end of last year, up from about $23 billion the prior year.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The results showed that while standard chemical leaching struggled without gravity to move fluids, the microbes didn’t blink.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When asked about his goalie practicing the art of deception in Wild practices, Hynes flashed a broad smile and snapped into his Team USA headspace quickly.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Minutes after that, a Fort Worth police vehicle driven by Officer Brock Atkins turns right onto Northwest 20th Street with its lights flashing.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nearby, ecstatic supporters waved Swiss flags.
    Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • However, that does not stop Glenn from proudly waving and exchanging Olympic pins adorned with the trans pride flag.
    Jasmine Wynn, Time, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Parade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parade. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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