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 25-year-old is a two-time All-Star and has been suspended twice by the NBA over brandishing a firearm on social media. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 Listen to this article The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of San Diego Police Department SWAT team members involved in the shooting death Tuesday of a 59-year-old man who reportedly brandished a gun in a residential neighborhood north of Scripps Ranch. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 Lowery will serve seven years, the minimum sentence for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2025 In March 2023, the league suspended Morant for eight games after he was seen brandishing a gun on Instagram Live while at a nightclub in Colorado. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
Verb
  • Rumi waves to the crowd, and her mom continues to serenade her.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Overjoyed in the moment, Rumi happily waved at the crowd and even gave her mother several hugs throughout the set, visually leaving the global icon swoon.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Emmy-winning historical drama will officially return for Season 2, FX announced on Wednesday, with physical production scheduled to begin in January in Vancouver.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Vanya, starring Olivier Award winner Andrew Scott playing all the play’s characters, has recouped its initial investment, producers announced today.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Notable Figures: During the quarter, the company's equity income in China produced a $45 million profit, compared to a loss of $106 million last year at this time.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Guy Picciotto has produced albums for Blonde Redhead, the Blood Brothers, Gossip, and many others.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on brandish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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