thrash

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word thrash distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of thrash are brandish, flourish, swing, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can brandish be used instead of thrash?

While the synonyms brandish and thrash are close in meaning, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When would flourish be a good substitute for thrash?

The words flourish and thrash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When might swing be a better fit than thrash?

Although the words swing and thrash have much in common, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

Where would wave be a reasonable alternative to thrash?

In some situations, the words wave and thrash are roughly equivalent. However, 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 thrash Mexico’s Monterrey advanced to the round of 16 at the Club World Cup by thrashing Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0 on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl in the third and final match of the group stage, while Argentina’s River Plate was eliminated with a 2-0 loss to Inter Milan in Seattle. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 The video showed that during the second time, the dog latched onto Evans’ left forearm and violently thrashed as Evans cried out in pain. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 Upon securing a maiden Champions League crown by thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Munich decider, Paris Saint-Germain looked to be leading the race for the midfielder. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 The league thrashed the nonconference portion of the schedule, going a staggering 185-23 (a winning percentage of .889); the Big Ten’s 159-37 (.811 winning percentage) was a distant second place. Jim Root, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
Verb
  • Meanwhile, every attempt to create ethical walls and accountability at PURA have been quietly buried by those who benefit from the dysfunction.
    Timothy M. Herbst, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • Where power lines are buried, flooding can also cause issues.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The comet will also whip by Mars on October 2 at 18 million miles (30 million kilometers) from the red planet.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
  • An Italian meringue involves carefully and slowly drizzling a hot sugar syrup into egg whites while whipping them.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The Boston Celtics are still licking their wounds following the heartbreaking end to the 2024-25 NBA season.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • And Lil Wayne agrees by licking my face, which is part of the job description for companion dogs.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Up to 75 mph winds ripped down power lines, tossed trees onto roads and railroad tracks and forced businesses to close for the day.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • Cleaning this quilt is a breeze—just toss it in the washing machine and tumble dry for a refresh.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Nothing beats a flattering linen dress for the summer.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • June hiring was up modestly from May's 144,000 increase in payrolls and beat the 118,000 jobs economists had forecast for last month.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Such a deal is not going to bring about North Korea’s denuclearization, of course, and Pyongyang will likely attempt to cheat by hiding some of its nuclear facilities.
    ANDREI LANKOV, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
  • Eight airports in different states appeared to have dropped the requirement, in place since 2006 after a British man in 2001 attempted to destroy an airliner with explosives hidden in a shoe.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Less than a week after Hegseth suspended them, deliveries abruptly started up again after President Donald Trump said Ukraine needed weapons to defend itself and lashed out at Vladimir Putin with the harshest language he's yet directed at the Russian leader.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • More than a foot of rain lashed the region before the river flooding on Friday afternoon, NWS meteorologist James Wingenroth told Newsweek.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The fearful pup stepped out to greet her, his tail twitching—his first show of trust in a long time.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • So instead, designers tweaked certain details, like twitching nerves under his skin and the iridescence in his scales.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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