brush-off 1 of 2

as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly the mayor tends to give anyone under voting age the brush-off

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brush (off)

2 of 2

verb

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 brush (off)
Verb
Initially, Makua gave Momoa's offer a polite brush-off. Janee Bolden, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 Some interpreted the moment as a blatant brush-off; however, others pointed out that Brigitte, 72, could simply have been focused on keeping her balance on the airplane steps or preparing herself to greet the Prince and Princess of Wales. Meredith Kile, People.com, 8 July 2025 But our findings suggest that the mere inclusion of abbreviations, although seemingly benign, start feeling like a brush-off. David Fang, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025 But there are now pressing concerns over whether Trump will pull the U.S. from the alliance as part of his broader brush-off of America's allies—and whether the remaining nations of the Five Eyes could survive it. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Alumi-Blast is an apt name for this low sheen coating that looks realistically like cast aluminum that has received a light brush-off abrasive blast at the factory. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 26 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brush (off)
Noun
  • Trump has also long been at odds with Kimmel and other late night hosts, calling for their dismissals.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • By contrast, that would be protected by the Delaware UPEPA and give the journalist a path to quick dismissal of that lawsuit.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And Parker saw maturity in his demeanor at that dinner — now a true goldfish who could shrug off any previous play.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Samsung’s 65-Inch The Terrace is a backyard showstopper, built to shine in direct sunlight and shrug off rain or dust, now $1500 off.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There was a unilateral rebuff toward the idea that the industry is experiencing a drummer shortage in general.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After multiple rejections from the auto dealership, Kim had to get creative again.
    Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The sting of rejection or criticism is universal.
    Susanne Biro, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Manchin’s media appearances to promote his book have already made headlines with quintessential blunt talk about his snub of former Vice President Kamala Harris and willingness to torch his old party.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, Gonzalez was a Pro Bowl snub last season but was named a second-team All-Pro.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In July 2007, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves after rejecting an eight-year, $140 million contract extension.
    Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Ukrainians overwhelmingly reject ceding territory.
    Oleksandra Matviichuk, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This adds to anticipation over whether the judge will decide that the case can proceed in Delaware and if dismissed, will the Macrons appeal or refile elsewhere.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • In court filings, Burnell has argued the council lacks the legal basis to sue and asked for the claims to be dismissed.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Commercial success as Lilith Fair grew new album sales and earned Grammy nominations for its individual artists on tour only fueled unrelenting industry and media scorn.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While oud can be polarizing—prized by some for its longevity and scorned by others for its animalic bite—the version in this bottle is rounder, creamier, and more nuanced than your standard-issue oud oil, with a clarity that feels paradoxical given its depth.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brush (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brush%20%28off%29. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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