flourish 1 of 2

flourish

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flourish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flourish are brandish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When is it sensible to use brandish instead of flourish?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could swing be used to replace flourish?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When might thrash be a better fit than flourish?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of flourish?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish, 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 flourish
Verb
Already, 100,000 indigenous trees (including our two tiny ones) have been replanted, which is meant to encourage wildlife to return and flourish. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 Foods that contain fiber provide the nutrients these beneficial microbes need to flourish, explains Bragagnini. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
Still, Kendrick and screenwriter Ian McDonald also add a few dramatic flourishes. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 In 2018, while on tour with Moaning, Stevenson began writing the tracks that would ultimately form her 2022 debut solo album as Fashion Club, Scrutiny — a gothic new romantic affair with glam-rock flourishes. Juan Velasquez, Them, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flourish 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish
Verb
  • Ultimately, brands that listen to their consumers will thrive and succeed in a more diverse marketplace.
    Danielle James, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This emphasis on infrastructure and revenue models demonstrates the BAL's determination to ensure that its teams and players thrive both on and off the court.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Read more: Gladiator II Belongs to Denzel He succeeded Caracalla, who was assassinated in 217.
    Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Just as our virtual concert can succeed despite a few off-key notes, blockchain networks maintain integrity and operate smoothly, even in the face of failures or attacks.
    Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But the company has opted for a staggered rollout of its new AI features, with the next wave set to come out in December.
    Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Biden left the race in late July, endorsing Harris — and she was greeted with a wave of enthusiasm and support as the Democratic Party quickly coalesced around her.
    Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • There were sheer bodices, sheer ruffles, sheer lace dresses and sheer pantsuits.
    Ada Tseng, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Vinyl, ruffles, sequins—the red carpets this week were all about bold statements.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Advertisement SpaceX, in particular, would likely continue to prosper as NASA and the Pentagon’s primary partner for rocket launches.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024
  • While Jared Kushner moved to D.C. to advise former president Trump and then to Miami to pursue private equity, his family’s real estate business quietly prospered in his absence—rebuilding a portfolio that’s now more valuable than his father-in-law’s.
    Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The Reformation collaborator styled the frock with a feather shrug.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The Biden administration, which is used to this type of fire-breathing language from the Kremlin, responded with a shrug.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Locals call their hometown the Venice of the Amazon, because of its filigree of waterways and the fleet of boats that ply them.
    Mac Margolis, NPR, 12 May 2024
  • There were filigrees of wildflowers, mysterious little tuna-belly creatures with mustard-seed eyes and microgreen antennae, and something that looked like a slice of black truffle but melted like butter.
    Pete Wells, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024
Verb
  • Prosecutors, however, noted that security camera footage from a dining hall on UGA's campus, where Diego worked, showed Diego arriving and leaving work on Feb. 22.
    Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Trending on Billboard Hallucinating Love arrives after a particularly torrid period since their last LP, 2018’s Kingdoms in Colour.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near flourish

Cite this Entry

“Flourish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourish. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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