Synonyms of brunt
1
: the principal force, shock, or stress (as of an attack)
bear the brunt of the storm
the brunt of the struggle with the German army fell upon the RussiansWalter Lippmann
2
: the greater part : burden

Examples of brunt in a Sentence

the brunt of the responsibility fell on her shoulders
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Maher argues that Lansing largely shielded the newsroom from the brunt of the cuts, though several podcasts were scrapped and some correspondents took buyouts. David Folkenflik, NPR, 18 May 2026 Women and girls are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026 Williams, a Hendrick Motorsports pit crew member and former UConn football player who was working as a tire changer for Spire Motorsports’ Truck team Friday, bore the brunt of the impact and was hospitalized with minor injuries. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Companies that cater to lower-income Americans, who have borne the brunt of higher fuel costs, will especially be watched for their take on how their customers are faring. Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for brunt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brunt was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brunt. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

brunt

noun
: the main force or stress (as of an attack)
the brunt of the storm
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