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
An illuminated display within the hotel also showcases pieces from House collections, including Lock by Tiffany, HardWear by Tiffany, T by Tiffany and Knot by Tiffany. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024 Walmart kept the displays going, rotating brands to keep chiliheads interested. John Graham, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
In 2005, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle displayed a Festivus pole in his executive residence in Madison, Wisconsin. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 20 Dec. 2024 Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for display 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • McClain attorney Patrick Cotter said the exhibit was cumulative in addition to being hearsay.
    Jim Talamonti | The Center Square contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Design Recalls Traditional Japanese Woodworking Techniques Two notable Italian designers are featured in the Milan exhibit: Giulio Iacchetti and Piero Lissoni.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 20 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
  • In the past two decades, the police tactics to suppress demonstrations have become less violent.
    John Yoon, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • David Groves, Cane Ridge High: David consistently shows a strong commitment to the band by practicing diligently, mentoring younger members, and attending every rehearsal and performance.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Saturday morning's drone attack took place in a city far from the front line of the war in Ukraine, potentially showing capabilities to strike deep inside Russia.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The first minutes of Dexter: Original Sin reveal that Dexter Morgan lives.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Interestingly, the data reveal a divide between playoff teams and those narrowly missing the cut.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • An exhibition at the Red Eight Gallery in London is immortalizing the greatest Shakespearean actors of our time through portraits that can blink, breathe and rattle off soliloquies.
    Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
  • To honor that marker, there will be special issues, two new anthologies, a film festival, an exhibition of New Yorker art and archive materials.
    David Remnick, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Whether authorities would ever take these flashing light videos as seriously as drone sightings remains to be seen.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • There’s been a shift in data protection strategies, with businesses increasingly turning to flash storage for backup and rapid recovery.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 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
  • In the midst of the pandemic, with the whole world in lockdown, Swift unveiled her surprise eighth studio album.
    Lolita Mang, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near display

Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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