display 1 of 2

Definition of displaynext
1
as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a display of paintings by masters of French Impressionism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

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
From the invention of gabardine to the trench coat, the display will reveal the house’s spirit of exploration. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 From there, the 20,000-square-foot museum takes visitors on a journey through Dolly’s life, using interactive exhibits, personal artifacts and multimedia displays. — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
Walters then displayed the rifle and threatened the woman before leaving, sheriff’s officials said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Some victims told police the phone number displayed on their caller ID matched the number printed on their debit cards, making the calls appear legitimate. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for display
Recent Examples of Synonyms for display
Noun
  • Major museums, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais — where a major Cézanne exhibit is on display — were shuttered Saturday.
    — Richard Engel, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The exhibition celebrates these workers, many of them immigrants, through exhibits like the photographs of Robert Doisneau, who worked for Renault full-time from 1934 to 1939.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Another round of nationwide demonstrations on Saturday featured less violence.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Supporters of Machado have held demonstrations in Caracas demanding her return.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • His friendly, supportive presence showed how the rival nations (in the far-off future in which the show was set) were capable of working together.
    — JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Vucic’s ousting shows the downside of that approach, as the whole relationship will have to be rebuilt from the ground up.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As case counts surged in the initial months of the outbreak, population and demographic data revealed who was shouldering the greatest burdens.
    — Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Medical examinations initially revealed no major injury, but his condition deteriorated.
    — Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition highlights how trade routes connected the Arabian Gulf, East Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia through the exchange of spices, pearls, textiles, jewelry, and religious beliefs.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The property has partnered with Villa del Arte, an international contemporary gallery, to create an exhibition program that extends from a dedicated indoor space into the gardens and terraces.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While parts of the Southwest are rocky with little vegetation and are naturally prone to flash flooding, the recent rains made flooding everywhere more likely.
    — MEAD GRUVER, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • To that, Gordon flashed his patented big smile and let out a little chuckle.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In his telling, the military campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran demonstrate the value of uncompromising power.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Completing the flight test just weeks after a captive-carry event demonstrated how quickly the program progressed through its testing sequence.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This winter, Deer Valley will unveil Hail Peak Express, opening access to 200 additional skiable acres and seven new runs.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In Saudi Arabia, the AI startup Humain unveiled in September a platform built on an open model by a Chinese AI company.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/display. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster