English Synonyms for Performance and Display Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

alter-ego (noun) /ˌɔːltə(r) ˈiːɡəʊ
Meaning: "Alter ego" is a Latin phrase that translates to "other self.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to alter-ego?
Options: second self; reality; true self; identity
Answer: second
Synonyms: avatar; character; counterpart; doppelgänger; double; embodiment; identity; persona; reflection; self; twin
Example: "Superman's alter-ego, Clark Kent, is a mild-mannered reporter."

auditorium (noun) /ˌɔːdɪˈtɔːrɪəm/
Meaning: It typically features a sloping floor, with tiered seating that provides clear sightlines to the stage or podium.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to auditorium?
Options: amphitheater; cupboard; closet; box
Answer: amphitheater
Synonyms: amphitheater; arena; chamber; coliseum; hall; stadium; theater; venue
Example: "The school auditorium was used for both concerts and graduation ceremonies."

avatar (noun) /ˌævəˈtɑː/
Meaning: It can be a digital image or a 3D model that represents the user or character in a virtual world.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to avatar?
Options: representation; reality; actual person; true self
Answer: representation
Synonyms: embodiment; figure; icon; image; incarnation; likeness; personification; portrayal; symbol
Example: "In the virtual world, you can create your own avatar to represent you."

burlesque (noun) /bəːˈlɛsk/
Meaning: It is often associated with the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was a popular form of entertainment in cabarets and theaters.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to burlesque?
Options: parody; drama; tragedy; seriousness
Answer: parody
Synonyms: caricature; exaggerate; imitate; lampoon; mimic; mockery; parody; ridicule; spoof
Example: "The burlesque show featured a variety of comedic skits, dances, and satirical performances."

contortionist (noun) /kənˈtɔːʃənɪst/
Meaning: They typically perform these feats using a combination of gymnastics, dance, and other acrobatic techniques.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contortionist?
Options: acrobat; stiff; inflexible; rigid
Answer: acrobat
Synonyms: acrobat; acrobatic; aerialist; bendy; bodybender; flexologist; gymnast; tumbler
Example: "The contortionist gracefully twisted her body into mind-bending shapes."

diva (noun) /ˈdiːvə/
Meaning: A diva is often seen as a larger-than-life figure who commands attention and admiration from her fans and peers.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to diva?
Options: prima donna; team player; subordinate; follower
Answer: prima
Synonyms: artist; celebrity; chanteuse; entertainer; icon; performer; prima-donna; princess; queen; soloist; songster; songstress
Example: "The renowned opera diva captivated the audience with her breathtaking performance."

encore (noun) /ˈɒŋkɔː/
Meaning: The term is typically used when the audience applauds and calls for the performer or performers to return to the stage for an additional performance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to encore?
Options: repeat; finale; conclusion; ending
Answer: repeat
Synonyms: echo; iteration; recurrence; redo; reiteration; renewal; repeat; repetition; replay; replication; reprise
Example: "The crowd erupted into applause, demanding an encore from the talented singer."

escapologist (noun) /ˌɛskəˈpɒlədʒɪst/
Meaning: They may use a variety of methods such as lock-picking, contortion, or deception to escape from handcuffs, straitjackets, chains, cages, or other types of enclosures.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to escapologist?
Options: escape artist; captive; prisoner; detainee
Answer: escape
Synonyms: absconder; avoider; breakout; conjurer; daredevil; dodger; eluder; escapee; escaper; evader; Houdini; illusionist
Example: "The escapologist amazed the crowd by freeing himself from the straitjacket in under a minute."

extemporize (verb) /ɪkˈstɛm pəˌraɪz/
Meaning: It involves the act of improvising or spontaneously generating content in the moment, often relying on one's wit, creativity, or knowledge.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to extemporize?
Options: improvise; plan; premeditate; rehearse
Answer: improvise
Synonyms: ad-lib; concoct; contrive; create; devise; fake; hatch; improvise; invent; manufacture
Example: "The talented musician was known for her ability to extemporize beautiful melodies on the piano."

extravaganza (noun) /ɪkˌstravəˈɡanzə/
Meaning: It can include a mix of music, dance, theater, circus acts, and other forms of entertainment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to extravaganza?
Options: spectacle; simplicity; ordinariness; plainness
Answer: spectacle
Synonyms: carnival; celebration; event; exhibition; festival; pageant; performance; spectacle
Example: "The circus performance was a spectacular extravaganza of acrobatics and daring stunts."

flamboyance (adjective) /flæmˈbɔɪ ənt/
Meaning: It denotes a noticeable display of flair, exuberance, or theatricality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to flamboyance?
Options: showiness; modesty; plainness; simplicity
Answer: showiness
Synonyms: extravagance; exuberance; flair; flashiness; grandiosity; ostentation; panache; pizzazz; showiness; theatricality; vivacity; zest
Example: "Her flamboyance was evident in her vibrant and colorful outfits."

masquerade (verb) /ˌmæskəˈreɪd/
Meaning: It can also refer to pretending to be someone or something else in order to deceive others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to masquerade?
Options: disguise; reveal; unmask; show
Answer: disguise
Synonyms: act; bluff; camouflage; conceal; fake; feign; impersonate; pose; pretend; simulate
Example: "Why don't we masquerade as tourists and explore our own city?"

matinee (noun) /ˈmætɪneɪ/
Meaning: Matinees are often scheduled for a more convenient time for audiences who prefer to attend shows during the day, such as children, seniors, or those who work evenings.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to matinee?
Options: afternoon show; evening performance; night show; late show
Answer: afternoon
Synonyms: daytime; afternoon; show; performance; play; movie; theater; screening; entertainment; spectacle; production; presentation
Example: "The theater offers a special discount for the matinee showings."

overawe (verb) /ˌoʊvərˈɑ/
Meaning: When someone or something overawes, it exudes an aura of dominance or superiority that leaves others feeling overwhelmed or subdued in its presence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to overawe?
Options: intimidate; reassure; comfort; encourage
Answer: intimidate
Synonyms: alarm; astonish; daunt; dazzle; dismay; flabbergast; shock; startle; stun; stupefy
Example: "Her confidence and expertise in the subject overawed the entire class."

pageant (noun) /ˈpæʤənt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe an elaborate and carefully choreographed event, such as a beauty pageant, a historical reenactment, or a cultural celebration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pageant?
Options: spectacle; ordinariness; plainness; simplicity
Answer: spectacle
Synonyms: competition; contest; exhibition; extravaganza; parade; performance; procession; show
Example: "The beauty pageant featured contestants from all over the world."

panache (noun) /pəˈnaʃ/
Meaning: The term is used to describe a person who carries themselves with grace and self-assurance, and who is not afraid to take risks and make bold decisions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to panache?
Options: flair; dullness; blandness; monotony
Answer: flair
Synonyms: charisma; flamboyance; flourish; gusto; pizzazz; stylishness; verve; vigor; vivacity; zest
Example: "With unmatched panache, she danced across the stage, captivating the audience."

pantomime (noun) /ˈpæn təˌmaɪm/
Meaning: Pantomime relies heavily on physicality, non-verbal communication, and visual storytelling to convey emotions, actions, and narratives.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pantomime?
Options: mime; articulate; speak; vocalize
Answer: mime
Synonyms: act; charade; expression; farce; gesticulation; gesture; impersonation; mime; performance; playacting; show; theatrical
Example: "The clown's exaggerated pantomime movements brought bursts of laughter from the crowd."

parade (noun) /pəˈreɪd/
Meaning: Parades are commonly organized to celebrate a special occasion, commemorate an event, showcase cultural traditions, or demonstrate unity and pride within a community.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to parade?
Options: procession; stagnation; standstill; immobility
Answer: procession
Synonyms: cavalcade; display; exhibition; formation; march; mobilization; muster; pageant; procession; rally; show; spectacle
Example: "The spectators eagerly awaited the start of the Thanksgiving Day parade."

piece-de-resistance (noun) /piːˌɛs də rɪˈzɪstɒ̃s/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a culinary dish or an artistic creation that is the centerpiece of an event or display.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to piece-de-resistance?
Options: masterpiece; failure; flop; disappointment
Answer: masterpiece
Synonyms: achievement; centerpiece; crowning; culmination; focal; glory; highlight; jewel; magnum-opus; masterpiece; showpiece; showstopper
Example: "The chef's piece-de-resistance was a mouthwatering, multi-layered chocolate cake."

proscenium (noun) /prəˈsiːniəm/
Meaning: The proscenium arch or frame separates the stage from the audience and serves as a frame for the action on stage.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to proscenium?
Options: stage; back; rear; audience
Answer: stage
Synonyms: arch; backdrop; classic; curtain; formal; frame; frontispiece; opening; platform; presentation; scenery; setting
Example: "The performers made their entrance through the proscenium arch to start the show."

raconteur (noun) /ˌrakɒnˈtəː/
Meaning: It can also refer to a person who is good at holding an audience's attention with their storytelling ability.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to raconteur?
Options: storyteller; listener; audience; observer
Answer: storyteller
Synonyms: anecdotalist; anecdotist; bard; chronicler; conversationalist; fabulist; griot; minstrel; narrator; recounter; relater; storyteller
Example: "He was a brilliant raconteur, with a wicked wit and a razor tongue."

repertoire (noun) /ˈrɛp ərˌtwɑr/
Meaning: It is commonly used in music, theater, and dance to describe the range of pieces or styles that an artist or ensemble is capable of performing.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to repertoire?
Options: range; limitation; lack; deficiency
Answer: range
Synonyms: assortment; catalog; collection; inventory; pool; range; selection; set; stock; store; variety
Example: "The pianist's repertoire includes classical and jazz pieces."

saga (noun) /ˈsɑɡə/
Meaning: Sagas are often associated with Norse or Icelandic literature and are known for their vivid descriptions, complex characters, and intricate plotlines.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to saga?
Options: epic; short story; anecdote; snippet
Answer: epic
Synonyms: adventure; chronicle; epic; fable; history; legend; lore; myth; narrative; romance
Example: "The TV show is based on the popular fantasy saga series."

savoir-faire (noun) /ˌsavwɑː ˈfɛː/
Meaning: It is a French phrase that translates to "knowing how to do.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to savoir-faire?
Options: tact; awkwardness; ineptitude; clumsiness
Answer: tact
Synonyms: adroitness; charm; courtesy; diplomacy; discretion; finesse; grace; sensitivity; tact; urbanity
Example: "Her savoir-faire in social settings is impressive."

sonorous (adjective) /ˈsɒn(ə)rəs/
Meaning: The term is often used to describe the sound of the human voice, particularly when it is used in singing or public speaking.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sonorous?
Options: resonant; tinny; weak; faint
Answer: resonant
Synonyms: blasting; booming; loud; plangent; powerful; resounding; reverberating; rich; roaring; stentorian
Example: "The sonorous voice of the opera singer filled the concert hall."

spectacle (noun) /ˈspɛktəkl/
Meaning: Spectacles can come in many forms, such as a fireworks show, a circus performance, a movie with special effects, a parade, a sports game, or an architectural landmark.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to spectacle?
Options: display; concealment; hide; cover-up
Answer: display
Synonyms: demonstration; event; exhibit; exhibition; extravaganza; pageant; parade; scene; show; sight
Example: "The fireworks show was a stunning spectacle."

thespian (noun) /ˈθɛspɪən/
Meaning: Thespians are individuals who dedicate themselves to the craft of acting, bringing characters and stories to life on stage, in film, or in other forms of live entertainment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to thespian?
Options: actor; spectator; viewer; audience
Answer: actor
Synonyms: actor; actress; artist; character; entertainer; extra; headliner; performer; player
Example: "The thespian was well known for her performances on stage."

tour-de-force (noun) /ˌtʊə də ˈfɔːs/
Meaning: "Tour de force" is a French phrase that translates to "a feat of strength" or "a masterful accomplishment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tour-de-force?
Options: masterpiece; failure; flop; mediocrity
Answer: masterpiece
Synonyms: accomplishment; achievement; display; exploit; feat; magnum-opus; masterpiece; performance; showcase; showpiece; success; triumph
Example: "His piano concerto was a musical tour-de-force."

vaudeville (noun) /ˈvɔːd(ə)vɪl/
Meaning: Vaudeville shows typically consisted of a variety of short acts, including songs, dances, comedy skits, acrobatics, and magic tricks, among others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vaudeville?
Options: variety show; drama; tragedy; seriousness
Answer: variety
Synonyms: burlesque; cabaret; comedy; entertainment; extravaganza; music; performance; revue; showbiz; stage; theater; variety
Example: "Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries."