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
Tour: The Northern Lights Escape in Iceland by Intrepid Travel (read our review of the company) takes you around Iceland’s South Coast and Golden Circle in search of the lights displays. Jamie Davis Smith, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025 The display leverages Spectra 6 color ePaper technology, which was launched in April 2023 and geared towards in-store advertising and digital signage applications. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
Kingsley’s political views thus display a tension between his desire to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and mistreated and his racist tendency to blame groups for their own poor conditions. Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025 Their forms display the infinite ecologies of the living and the sentient. Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for display 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • The exhibit was toured by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, and members of the New York City Council.
    Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The exhibit will be divided into four galleries—three featuring Greenwood and Spencer’s work on the films Anna Karenina (2012), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and Barbie (2023).
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Though the rover won't be aboard, the mission will take place as a flight demonstration of the Astrobotic lander and its engines, NASA says.
    George Petras, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The victory was more than just a bracing demonstration of athletic power.
    Guy Martin, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The following histogram shows Ovechkin’s likely goals finish by the season’s end based on 1,000 simulations of the rest of the season.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
  • In the months leading up to his first court appearance on August 6, the documentary shows an overt trend among members of the media, public, and former and current NBA players voicing their support for Bryant.
    Matias Grez, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • After his son burst into the room, Gordon turned to the boy and revealed the excuse for his violent outburst, Brandon said.
    Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The answers can help reveal whether something else is being overlooked.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In a refreshing change from convention, the exhibition catalogue contains no full-length essays.
    Richard Meyer, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
  • This mirrors trends seen in other racing series like Formula E and Extreme E. While plans for an official race appearance remain to be confirmed, the Mach-E NASCAR prototype will likely appear in exhibitions, demonstrations, and special events across the globe.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Nardi has flashed excellence in his short big-league career, though his 5.07 ERA in 2024 is concerning.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Live television images and footage showed several boats in the water, flashing blue and red lights.
    Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Despite these challenges, the Texans' strong playoff run—despite falling short in the divisional round to Kansas City—demonstrated that the team is close to competing at a higher level.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
  • His involvement with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement further demonstrates his commitment to advancing efficiency and innovation in the industry.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • First up, Alaïa unveiled its new flagship store in Paris, adding a fresh chapter to its legacy.
    Essence, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The brand is unveiling a range of pop-ups dedicated to the second chapter of its lifestyle project in key locations throughout the first quarter of 2025.
    Martino Carrera, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near display

Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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