brandish

verb

Definition of brandishnext
as in to wave
to put into view in a threatening or excited manner She brandished a stick at the dog. brandished a petition signed by hundreds of town residents

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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 In fact, they hadn’t been brandished, Goetz didn’t know the men were carrying them, and they hadn’t been sharpened at all. —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Feb. 2026 Police released alarming photos of suspects brandishing weapons after a woman in her 30s was fatally shot inside a White Settlement home on Friday afternoon. —Doug Myers, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026 Many other videos show MAGA people coming to protests brandishing firearms. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026 And so the players showed up brandishing hope for this summer while sweetly admitting the emotion that still lingers from last fall. —Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
  1. wave
  2. announce
  3. produce
Verb
  • Nearby, ecstatic supporters waved Swiss flags.
    — Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • However, that does not stop Glenn from proudly waving and exchanging Olympic pins adorned with the trans pride flag.
    — Jasmine Wynn, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • This week, three Canadian airlines canceled flights to Cuba after the island’s government announced there would be no jet fuel for planes seeking to refuel at Cuban airports.
    — Andrea Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Reds, Lowe reach deal The Cincinnati Reds signed veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a minor league contract with an invite to major league camp in spring training, the team announced Saturday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of announce
Verb
  • Our show is expertly produced, as always by Chris McLeod of Blue Elevator Productions and our very own Josh Billinson.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Karacasu Tekstil did its part, launching its Spinnovation collection of yarns that use half as much water and produce half as many carbon emissions.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of produce

Browse Nearby Words

branding
brandish
brandished
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Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brandish

Nglish: Translation of brandish for Spanish Speakers

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