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
Perennials that are flourishing in your garden can remain tall. Macie Stump, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024 But in the past few years, Chili’s has flourished while Applebee’s has struggled. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
The final flourish saw Nadal speaking on court and a video playing with testimonies from tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, as well as Spanish sporting luminaries such as football stars Raul and Andres Iniesta, and the golfer Sergio Garcia. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 When Annie gave birth to a daughter with surprisingly fair hair, the extended family on both sides took it in stride as one of life’s flourishes of fate, a reminder of the mysteries of biology. Julia Whelan Krish Seenivasan Lance Neal, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flourish 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish
Verb
  • Organizations that successfully integrate these AI solutions while maintaining their focus on employee experience and workplace culture will be best positioned to thrive in this new era of HR technology.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The statement-making material uses larger segments of colorful Italian marble, allowing for natural shapes and textures to thrive.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The collapse of Assad's government ends a 24-year reign, the president having succeeded his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000.
    Victoria Beaule, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2024
  • In September 2015, Russia intervened on the side of Assad, and with support from Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah loyalists, succeeded in recapturing most non-Kurdish areas of Syria, with rebels pinned into a small enclave around Idlib in the northwest of the country.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • From past red carpets and award shows to fashion-forward events, she’s rocked everything from fiery Botticelli-style waves to a sharp pixie.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
  • During high tide or if there’s a swell, waves crash onto walkways, soaking passersby.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The dress, complete with a corseted bodice and sweeping train, was embellished with ruffles and lace in alternating shades of yellow and white.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Beneath the garment, Kidman opted for a semi-sheer black blouse with a high-neckline, ruffles and the addition of a floral appliqué.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • No one, though, has prospered more than the Dodgers.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Will business prosper under a second Donald Trump presidency?
    Paul Krugman, The Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Augusta and her team thoughtfully mixed the patterns together with everything from the tablecloths, to the chair shrugs, to the fabric light fixtures.
    Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024
  • The news on Monday that Special Counsel Jack Smith was dropping both of his federal cases against Trump merited little more than a shrug.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Weingut Josef Jamek | 2022 Ried Klaus Riesling Federspiel A still-young vintage, the filigree of Weingut Jamek’s style is only available for a short time in the United States.
    Jill Barth, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • 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
Verb
  • There are so many more holiday doormats at Walmart that will arrive within a few days of shipping, so be sure to add these to your cart today to ensure a festive front porch this holiday season.
    Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024
  • City had already started to turn the tide in derbies before Guardiola arrived, with at least four truly memorable victories under Roberto Mancini (6-1 away and 1-0 at home in 2011-12) and Manuel Pellegrini (4-1 at home, 3-0 away in 2013-14).
    Sam Lee, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near flourish

Cite this Entry

“Flourish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourish. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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