BRANDISH Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'brandish' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brandish are flourish , swing , thrash , and wave . While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," brandish implies threatening or menacing motion. // brandishing a knife

Q: When could 'flourish' be used to replace 'brandish'?

The synonyms flourish and brandish are sometimes interchangeable, but flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement. // flourished the winning lottery ticket

Q: When might 'swing' be a better fit than 'brandish'?

The meanings of swing and brandish largely overlap; however, swing implies regular or uniform movement. // swing the rope back and forth

Q: Where would 'thrash' be a reasonable alternative to 'brandish'?

The words thrash and brandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement. // an infant thrashing his arms about

Q: When can 'wave' be used instead of 'brandish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to brandish , wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion. // waving the flag

brandish

verb

Definition of brandish next

as in to wave

to put into view in a threatening or excited manner She brandished a stick at the dog. brandished a petition signed by hundreds of town residents

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How is the word brandish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brandish are flourish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could flourish be used to replace brandish?

The synonyms flourish and brandish are sometimes interchangeable, but flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When might swing be a better fit than brandish?

The meanings of swing and brandish largely overlap; however, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

Where would thrash be a reasonable alternative to brandish?

The words thrash and brandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of brandish?

While in some cases nearly identical to brandish, wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

Examples 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 brandish There is no myth or epic for the Trump situation; no surviving sequel to the Iliad in which Greek warriors openly cling to the wooden horse, brandishing their weapons and declaring death to the Trojans, and yet half of the Trojans want to drag the statue into the city anyway. —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 Reports of people brandishing guns on highways increased over 35%. —

Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024 Prosecutors also accused Combs of carrying or brandishing guns to intimidate and threaten victims and witnesses. —

Elias Lopez, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2024 The model has brandished elaborate Halloween costumes over the years, including Jessica Rabbit, a werewolf and an old lady. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brandish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish

Verb

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators wave flags on the Monument à la République in Paris on Wednesday night.

Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
At Trump Tower, supporters waved a cardboard cutout of Donald Trump and celebrated.

Curbed Staff, Curbed, 6 Nov. 2024