thrash

Definition of thrashnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word thrash distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of thrash are brandish, flourish, swing, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can brandish be used instead of thrash?

While the synonyms brandish and thrash are close in meaning, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When would flourish be a good substitute for thrash?

The words flourish and thrash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When might swing be a better fit than thrash?

Although the words swing and thrash have much in common, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

Where would wave be a reasonable alternative to thrash?

In some situations, the words wave and thrash are roughly equivalent. However, 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 thrash The sick humor of an inappropriately large insect thrashing on the bed gives way to the morbid humor of the new family of three proceeding merrily with their small lives. Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 While it hasn’t always been smooth going for Houston this season, the vibes during and after thrashing the Hawks to snap a two-game skid seemed pretty, pretty good. Varun Shankar, Houston Chronicle, 20 Mar. 2026 Similarly, the Cougars thrashed 15th-seeded Idaho 78-47. Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Premier League champions Liverpool lost 1-0 at Galatasaray, while Manchester City were thrashed 3-0 by Real in Madrid and Chelsea crumbled to lose 5-2 in Paris. James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
Verb
  • In the ’90s, the peninsula was taken over by a string of summer-only nightclubs, with little regard for the natural surroundings or the ancient cemetery buried in the pine forest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Eighty minutes in, yellow card already in his pocket and a one-game suspension already looming, Wilfried Zaha collected a Pep Biel pass in stride and buried it into the far corner.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Children too short to see the stage stood on their tip-toes to watch Kevin Reyes, the actor who played the part of Jesus, being whipped.
    Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The famously-shy sophomore obliged, several of her teammates whipping out their phones to record the big moment.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Five caribou stood licking at the stain.
    Frank Glaser, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The department shared photos of Ziggy, still wearing a bandage on his left hind leg, jumping up and licking Spring's face during a recent visit.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The sixth-year senior saw limited action last season in the ACC with Pittsburgh, serving as the Panthers’ third-string quarterback and tossing just 22 passes on the year.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • With the base loaded and one out, Los Alamitos popped up a bunt that third baseman Kimmie McDonnell snagged and alertly tossed to shortstop Mazzotti covering third base for an inning-ending double play.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Suns then tied the game at 94-94 after Jordan Goodwin beat the buzzer with a corner triple to end the period.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Keller stymies defending champ Coppell Claire Garritson scored the game-winning goal in the second half and Keller hung on to beat defending state champion Coppell 2-1 in the Class 6A Division 1 Region 1 Final on Tuesday night at Keller High School.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Senior Assistant County Attorney Bryan Schmid argued in court filings that Scott failed to show the law is unconstitutional and suggested that Scott could create his website and post his videos with redactions to hide the personal information in the clips.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Check and uncheck the boxes next each candidate to show/hide their responses.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One side of the brush features short, dense bristles that deposit rich black color and build volume, while the longer bristles on the other side help guide lashes upward.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Toward the end of the final episode of Love Story, Constance Zimmer’s Ann Messina Freeman lashes out at Caroline Kennedy over her daughters’ deaths.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The launch can also be viewed on NASA's social media platforms include Facebook, twitch and X as well as NASA+, the agency's streaming service.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Curry’s body began convulsing and twitching with increasing severity, consistent with him sustaining a traumatic brain injury from being punched in the face, documents state.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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