brush 1 of 3

Definition of brushnext
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the two advance parties had a brush, but no one was wounded

Synonyms & Similar Words

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brush

2 of 3

verb (1)

brush

3 of 3

verb (2)

Example 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 brush
Noun
The best makeup brush sets can make getting ready a lot easier. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Mar. 2026 As the men tumbled down the grade’s shoulder into muck and brush, the speeders rammed together. Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
If unhelpful naysayers shove their preferences onto you, just brush them off. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026 The two players brushed off the incident after the game. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brush
encounter
Noun
  • The story begins on a train, somewhat subverts the typical strangers-on-a-train narrative in which a chance encounter leads to a love story (that is, the Linklater version rather than the Hitchcock one).
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The journey is a true adventure that includes moderate to challenging hikes, but the reward is a wild, unspoiled jungle with magnificent wildlife encounters—Osa Peninsula hosts approximately 50% of all of the species found in Costa Rica.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Brush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brush. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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