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

Examples 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
Other high-end San Francisco hotels also offer over-the-top displays. Nerdwallet, Twin Cities, 7 Dec. 2024 Indoor Outdoor Indoor 100-count warm white string Christmas lights: on sale for $5.98 Original price: $9.98 (Lowe's) White string lights are the best lights for a classy Christmas display. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
You May Also Like All were displayed on white plinths behind Prigent, who seemed to relish a tie-breaker that had two bingo winners drawing numbered balls out of a Turismo bag. Miles Socha, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024 In it, our editors suggested building a collection of fairy-tale houses from wood or cardboard to hang or display. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for display 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Scavenger-hunt booklet in hand, kids will find clues in a dozen exhibits, such as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, ultimately leading them to a keepsake hidden in the museum.
    Lauren Matison, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Expect over 190 exhibits, seminars and merchandise for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
    Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Dustin Reed, a father of one of the special needs children refused dine-in service at the restaurant, moved the cups away from the demonstration.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
  • This year’s strike was the fifth year demonstrations were held over Cyber weekend.
    Juliann Ventura, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But the map shows that Americans living in the North and those at higher elevations are the most likely to see snow on Christmas morning.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The surprise rebel offensive that surged out of northwestern Idlib province last month showed the regime in Damascus to be hollow.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • As with the lower level, these private quarters reveal a tendency for the bold, whether an English Victorian slipper chair clad in Pierre Frey’s iconic Tigre Velours or an antelope-print Stark rug.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Aside from Jon Snow, the trailer reveals the return of Varys (originally played by Conleth Hill), Jaime Lannister (originally played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and Cersei Lannister (originally played by Lena Headey).
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The company’s expansion has shifted from urban centers to suburban locations following a deal with local exhibition giant Aeon Entertainment.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024
  • One of the exhibition highlights is a major new de Waal installation through which the artist reflects on Salto’s enduring influence on his own practice.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Sims can leap with the best of them and has flashed the potential to rebound at a high level, but costly mistakes on offense have hurt his opportunities this season.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
  • If your submission is correct, the terms will flash in the category color and will be removed from the board.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Celebrity Style The actor posed with his co-star, Elle Fanning, in an almost indescribable look and demonstrated his great sense of humor.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 14 Dec. 2024
  • This case demonstrates that no one is above the law.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Costume Designers Guild on Friday unveiled nominations for the 27th CDGAs, with titles on the movie side ranging from blockbusters like Wicked, Gladiator II, Dune: Part Two and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to indie hits like Conclave, Emilia Pérez and The Substance.
    Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The rule, unveiled Thursday, would cap overdraft fees at $5 — a substantial savings from the $35 that customers are typically charged.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near display

Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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