display
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for display, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To show something openly so it can be seen clearly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use display
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French despleier, "to unfold or spread out," ultimately from Latin dis- ("apart") + plicare ("to fold") — a doublet of "deploy".
Full origin of display →Frequently asked questions
What does “display” mean?
The word “display” means to show something openly so it can be seen clearly. In plain terms, to show something, or a screen/arrangement made for people to look at.
How do you pronounce “display”?
“Display” is pronounced dihs-PLAY (/dɪsˈpleɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “display” in a sentence?
Here is “display” used in a sentence: “The gallery displays local artwork every summer.”
What part of speech is “display”?
Depending on how it is used, “display” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “display” come from?
The word “display” comes from Latin. From Old French despleier, "to unfold or spread out," ultimately from Latin dis- ("apart") + plicare ("to fold") — a doublet of "deploy".
Is “display” a common word?
“Display” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “display” have?
“Display” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to show something openly so it can be seen clearly.
What is the difference between display and show?
Show is the broad, everyday word for letting something be seen. Display usually implies a more deliberate, prominent presentation — arranging things so they stand out, as in a shop window or museum case. You might show a friend a photo, but a store displays its best products.
What is the difference between display and exhibit?
Both mean to put something on view, but exhibit is more formal and is linked to galleries, museums, and shows — an artist exhibits paintings. Display is broader and more everyday, covering everything from shop windows to emotions. All exhibiting is displaying, but not all displaying is exhibiting.
What is the opposite of display?
The opposite is to hide or conceal — keeping something out of sight rather than showing it openly. Where display puts things on view, concealing removes them from view. Related opposites include cover, mask, and withhold, all suggesting the deliberate hiding of what could otherwise be seen.