Flaunt: meaning, definitions and examples

Use flaunt when someone is showing off something in a way that is meant to attract attention and possibly make others feel envious. This usually has a negative connotation.

• She likes to flaunt her designer clothes at parties.
• He couldn’t resist flaunting his new sports car to his friends.

Show off is an informal term used when someone proudly displays something to gain admiration or envy, and it often has a negative connotation.

• He always tries to show off his knowledge during meetings.
• She loves to show off her cooking skills whenever guests come over.

Display is more neutral and formal, and it is used when something is shown to people, often for their admiration or inspection.

• The museum will display ancient artifacts from Egypt.
• She proudly displayed her award on the mantel.

Boast is used when someone is talking about something they have done or own in a way that makes them sound proud, often excessively so. It can be seen as arrogant.

• He boasted about his high scores in the game.
• She can't meet new people without boasting about her family's wealth.

Exhibit is used in formal contexts, often referring to objects shown to the public in places like museums or galleries.

• The art gallery is exhibiting a collection of modern sculptures.
• He decided to exhibit his paintings at the local fair.

Parade is often used when showing off something in a very public and obvious way, similar to flaunting. It can suggest an ostentatious display.

• She paraded her new diamond ring at the dinner party.
• The football team paraded their trophy through the streets.