What does "exhibit" mean?
An instance of exhibiting.
Exhibit
/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An instance of exhibiting.
- Grammar: exhibit is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: display, adjective of evidence, advertise, affect.
- Useful contrasts: conceal, concealment, hide.
- Usage evidence: They are going to exhibit many famous old paintings at the gallery.
How to use "exhibit"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "exhibit" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "exhibit" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "exhibit" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "exhibit" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "exhibit" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "display" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "exhibit", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An instance of exhibiting.
- 2 something shown to the public wordnet
- 3 That which is exhibited.
"Mention must be made of the Valdres Folk Museum, situated just outside the town—one of those fascinating open-air museums for which Scandinavia is justly famed, to which have been transplanted a number of ancient buildings, such as farmhouses and storehouses, full of appropriate furniture, costumes and other exhibits."
- 4 an object or statement produced before a court of law and referred to while giving evidence wordnet
- 5 A public showing; an exhibition.
"The museum's new exhibit is drawing quite a crowd."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 An article formally introduced as evidence in a court.
"Exhibit A is this photograph of the corpse."
Verb
- 1 To display or show (something) for others to see, especially at an exhibition or contest. transitive
"He wanted to exhibit his baseball cards."
- 2 walk ostentatiously wordnet
- 3 To demonstrate. transitive
"The players exhibited great skill."
- 4 to show, make visible or apparent wordnet
- 5 To submit (a physical object) to a court as evidence. transitive
"I now exhibit this bloody hammer."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 give an exhibition of to an interested audience wordnet
- 7 To put on a public display. intransitive
"Will you be exhibiting this year?"
- 8 show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill wordnet
- 9 To administer as a remedy.
"to exhibit calomel"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"They are going to exhibit many famous old paintings at the gallery."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "exhibit"?
Common synonyms include: display, adjective of evidence, advertise, affect, air, animal community structure.
How do you use "exhibit" in a sentence?
They are going to exhibit many famous old paintings at the gallery.
How do you pronounce "exhibit"?
Pronounced /ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/.
Etymology
From Latin exhibitus, perfect passive participle of exhibeō (“I hold forth, present, show, display”), from ex (“out of, from”) + habeō (“I have, hold”); see habit.