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 Emanuel actually broached the idea of changing positions last year with his father during the season. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Co-owner Mark Wilf, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell broached many other topics, too. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Some 18 months ago, Mack said, the Royals launched a deep dive after Picollo broached the possibility of exploring strange new worlds. —Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 Some players encouraged the 49ers to investigate, but Lynch noted that it was not broached by anyone who joined the team in the past few weeks since free agency opened, including wide receiver Mike Evans. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
  1. surface
  2. introduce
  3. raise
  4. discuss
  5. place
Verb
  • This one surfaced in the local video store and became a staple for the family VCR.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
  • Influencers have played a role in surfacing candidates’ liabilities.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
Definition of surface
Verb
  • The legislation, one of the priority bills Democrats introduced with hopes to potentially fold into the budget, ultimately did not advance.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The opening episode of the AMC dramedy introduces an algorithm that’s a gift to stalkers everywhere.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • That alone, to me, raises questions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • The governing body said the show would support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to help children access education and soccer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 May 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • The Swallows were a pretty dull group of four siblings—Susan was always doing the cooking and discussing the best way to scramble egg, while bossy John was some kind of Tory MP in the making.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Joining me to discuss rising production costs, shifts in viewing preferences, and the demise of one of the pillars of late night television is USA TODAY TV Critic Kelly Lawler.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 May 2026
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • The Iran nuclear deal, a 2015 accord reached under President Barack Obama, had placed limitations on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
    — Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • The Chelmsford Board of Selectmen voted Monday night to place injured firefighter Nick Spinale on administrative leave.
    — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 19 May 2026
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 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on broach

Nglish: Translation of broach for Spanish Speakers

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