FLOURISH Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

flourish 1 of 2

verb

ˈflər-ish

Definition of flourish next

as in to thrive

to grow vigorously that plant flourishes in cool, wet weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to succeed

to reach a desired level of accomplishment the arts program flourished once it received adequate funding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flourish

2 of 2

noun

as in wave

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in ruffle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

These also happen to be exactly the types of players that historically flourish overseas, making this a rather easy decision for Walker from a professional standpoint. —

Hunter Felt, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Stocks that could flourish under a Harris administration include clothing and footwear giant Nike . —

Brian Evans, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

The structural devices, aesthetic flourishes, and writing tics that Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan crib — intentionally or otherwise — from Sorkin make the film a fascinating showcase for all of the latter’s screenwriting strengths and weaknesses. —

Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 There was something in the water in the filmmaking community at this time where even the nastiest material could be directed with a flourish that would send it down smoothly. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flourish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish

Verb

Buddy Hield, Moore noted, has thrived in Golden State after falling out of the 76ers’ rotation.

Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Watson continued to thrive in Aaron Gordon’s place among the starters, making all four 3-point attempts en route to 16 points.

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024