broach

verb

Definition of broachnext
1
as in to surface
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below the immense whales broaching was a magnificent sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to introduce
to present or bring forward for discussion broached the topic of plans for next year's parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broach distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of broach are air, express, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

When might air be a better fit than broach?

Although the words air and broach have much in common, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When could express be used to replace broach?

The words express and broach can be used in similar contexts, but express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When can utter be used instead of broach?

In some situations, the words utter and broach are roughly equivalent. However, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When would vent be a good substitute for broach?

The synonyms vent and broach are sometimes interchangeable, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When is it sensible to use voice instead of broach?

While in some cases nearly identical to broach, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 broach Then on Tuesday here at the NFL owners meeting, Daboll interrupted a question to double down that the head coach had been the one who broached the subject, not Mara. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025 Bibb broached the subject with host Jenna Bush Hager, the former president’s daughter. —Jack Smart, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025 In a 2022 interview that broached the subject of Ghost Mountain’s departure, Sematary described the conflict as an imbalance of passion. —Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2025 The relationship between the Cubs and the Japanese player came into focus during Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings, where Wasserman agent Joel Wolfe told reporters that the club had broached the subject of Suzuki potentially waiving his no-trade clause. —Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
  1. surface
  2. introduce
  3. raise
  4. discuss
  5. place
Verb
  • He was opposed by some in his own party when his name surfaced earlier this year as someone who could bring balance to PURA, the utility regulatory agency that has come under increasing political scrutiny and criticism.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Secrets from your subconscious could surface at this time, Taurus.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of surface
Verb
  • To that end, the show creators introduced Catherine O’Hara as Joel’s therapist Gail in the first episode of Season 2.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Championed by The Fall Guy director David Leitch and many of his action-veteran collaborators, the new accolade will be introduced at the 100th Academy Awards held in 2028, honoring the films of 2027.
    — Jack Smart, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resulting footprint is T-shaped, creating numerous pockets of outdoor space just begging to be built out with cushy outdoor seating, raised garden beds, an al fresco dining room, or your very own lanai.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • These topics and more will continue to be discussed leading up to the draft.
    — Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Putin also discussed Iran's nuclear program with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said during his visit to Moscow, the Kremlin said, as Oman continues its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • After a Mass, Francis' coffin was placed on an open-air popemobile and transported to the burial site outside the Vatican by a motorcade that traversed the streets of Rome, lined by cheering crowds.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • More pressure is put on Harry when Conrad tells him he's placed the entire family in the crosshairs.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of place

Browse Nearby Words

brittleness
broach
broached
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Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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