brandish

Definition of brandishnext

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 He was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest, trespassing and being too intoxicated to care for himself in public, police said. Jose Fabian, CBS News, 15 June 2026 Vallejo then brandished a bottle at the victim and threatened to kill her, before removing her clothes and raping her, officials said. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 The video showed a man wearing purple gloves and brandishing a knife while arguing with another man and woman. Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 In the 2022 World Cup, across a total of 64 matches, only four red cards were brandished. Ben Church, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
Verb
  • As recently as May, Tesla’s X account posted an ad showing drivers with their hands off the wheel, goofing off while waving their fingers in the air or sipping a hot coffee from a ceramic mug with two hands.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • Argentina fans celebrated in the concourse of AT&T Stadium with roaring chants, flag waving and dancing.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Brown passed away from coronary heart disease at his Newport News, Virginia, home on June 17, his family announced on June 26 via his Facebook page.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • The invasive golden mussel has now been confirmed in the Port of West Sacramento, marking the species' northernmost detection in California since it was first discovered in Stockton in 2024, wildlife officials announced Saturday.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
  • This week, investors are looking at the huge sums being spent and questioning whether AI can produce the profits and productivity necessary to make all the investment worth it.
    Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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