brandish

Synonym Chooser

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

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 brandish The argument turned violent when Grier brandished a pocketknife, then got a bayonet-style knife with a long blade, the release said. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025 Schumer was recently put on blast by The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart for explaining the impacts of Trump’s tariff threats against Mexico and China by brandishing a can of Corona beer and an avocado at a press conference to show items that could increase in price. Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Feb. 2025 Those familiar with his approach believe brandishing his team as the worst in history is a motivational technique to get a reaction from his players. Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 This one is brandished by a masked robber holding up the luxury hotel's store. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
Verb
  • Hundreds of supporters were there, waving German flags and singing the national anthem.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Zelensky waved through the window to reporters as his motorcade left the White House grounds, concluding an explosive visit to Washington that did not go as planned.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • On Friday night, Andress’ posting of her new version of the anthem on social media — which had not been announced in advance — was starting to draw some favorable responses.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In October 2024, the Democrat announced he and others, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, would be pushing to more than double the current allotment, bringing the cap up to $750 million a year.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Lawrence, Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer of Doozer Productions executive produce alongside Tarses and Carell.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The doc is produced by Big Sur, Mad Entertainment and RAI Cinema in co-production with Luce Cinecittà.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on brandish

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