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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The fire that left Barreto with burns on three-quarters of his body happened after he’d been chased by deputies into Orange County, fleeing on a dirt bike after reports of bikers brandishing guns at people in Osceola. —

Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024 And on Christmas Day in 2021, a man appeared at Windsor Castle brandishing a crossbow with plans to assassinate the Queen. —

Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 19 Nov. 2024 The victim confronted the suspects, who in turn brandished handguns and left the scene in two cars. —

Jason Green, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024 After the meeting ended, the shooter walked to the playground of the school, brandished a handgun and opened fire. —

Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brandish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish

Verb

Hey There Jessica Williams waves to the audience during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Dec. 18 in New York City.

Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Nobody that doesn’t wave red and black pom-poms will be shedding tears for Georgia which still seems more than OK in the secondary.

Marc Weiszer, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024