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
Due to its delicate nature, this wreath is best for indoor display—maybe as a statement piece in a gallery wall or surrounding an otherwise drab fruit bowl. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025 Meta and Luxottica in 2023 launched the second edition of their smart glasses, and the two companies are set to roll out a third generation of the glasses with a small display, CNBC previously reported. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 20 May 2025
Verb
What is a foreign start to a Grand Tour supposed to display? Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The film around him displays similarly little interest in forcing the matter, even after Mike is released from jail — now sober for seven months — and lands a job as a cook at a low-rent hotel on the outskirts of town. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • One exhibit shows some of the stunning and colorful animals found locally in the rockpools around the coast.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The exhibit also is featured in Saturday’s adults-only Science Night Live event.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The White House has accused the Ivy League universities of allowing antisemitism on campus grounds amid student demonstrations protesting Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • The rocket delivered six satellites to orbit for a range of remote sensing, Earth observation, and technology demonstration missions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Roundabout Theatre Company showed Kander clapping in gratitude in a clip from the event shared on their Instagram. Lopez overhauled her appearance before attending the invite-only afterparty at Bryant Park Grill in New York City.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • In fact, a recent study from Deloitte actually showed that around 25% of currently existing Bitcoins—a figure that amounts to roughly $40 billion—are currently vulnerable to quantum attacks.
    Amit Sinha, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Phase 2 redevelopment of the Fort Worth Stockyards may be on hold due to disputes between the project’s developers, court documents have revealed.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • Biopsies of their tongues also revealed that those taking semaglutide had greater activity of genes that may be involved in taste bud renewal and transmission of nerve signals related to taste.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing won the competitive midseason exhibition race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday night.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
  • The joint practice or practices would be at least two days before the exhibition game.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The player bet $1.75, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen until a jackpot message appeared.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • It's now known to flash in both radio waves and X-rays for a two-minute period every 44 minutes.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Netflix’s dark comedy is full of drama, romance and the bonds of sisterhood Comments Sirens demonstrates that wanting more in life while staying true to oneself might be easier said than done.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • In November 2024, Russia demonstrated the capabilities of its own hypersonic missile with an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, going on television shortly afterwards to boast about the weapons capabilities.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The winners of the 9th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be unveiled on May 25 at Crunchyroll’s award show, hosted Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, Japan.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
  • Keep scrolling to unveil our favorite finds, up to 82 percent off.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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