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 Australians have cruised to four wins from four, including against South Africa, which thrashed India last Sunday. ABC News, 25 June 2026 In recent local elections Labour was thrashed by the upstart Reform UK Party. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Bowser thrashed on his way to the rescue facility, which a volunteer described as a positive sign. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 The 54-year-old, who had only been in charge since January, watched on as his side was thrashed 5-1 by Sweden. Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
Verb
  • Despite the lack of goals, the game was exciting with end-to-end runs and missed chances that left fans of both teams groaning and burying their heads in their hands.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • After receiving a pass in the right side of the box, Dembélé very patiently made his way to his left before burying yet another left-footed strike into the goal.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Police have arrested a 22-year-old man who was caught on camera whipping a yellow taxi cab with a belt, damaging the hood, following the Knicks’ comeback victory in Game 4 of the NBA finals, officials said Friday.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Democrats work ceaselessly to whip the American people into a frenzy of hate and conflict.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • After milking, the cows would return themselves to their fresh pasture and spend the day grazing, snoozing, licking one another, and cooling off in the shade of pine trees.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
  • Bring along a friend who wouldn’t be able to indulge in these kinds of finger-licking treats otherwise.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • However, first base umpire Todd Tichenor tossed the agitated second baseman after Chisholm spiked his helmet toward home plate.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • Marlins starter Ryan Gusto tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings before giving way to John King (6-1), who threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings against his former team.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Bryson Stott's three-run homer highlighted Philadelphia's eight-run outburst in the ninth inning and the Phillies rallied to beat the Washington Nationals 14-9 on Tuesday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Rather than be benched, Devers batted cleanup, overcame an 0-for-3 start, and singled up the middle in the seventh to score Bryce Eldridge, who narrowly beat a tag at the plate for a 3-1 lead.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Below the dash, the center console is simplified with a small panel of control buttons, a wireless phone charge pad, cup holders and an arm rest that hides a bit of storage space.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But there are some incredible deals hiding online—and some even include brand-new items.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Sydney briefly, and understandably, succumbed to the impulse to lash out, something that Carmy has done on more than one occasion while acting as head chef.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Continue reading … SEISMIC SUPPORT — AOC lashes out at Trump for 'betrayal' of voters after key SCOTUS immigration ruling.
    , FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • There is something cultish about that idea — the player who tends not to start but has the knack to appear later on with antennae twitching, ready to seize the day and alter the course of a match.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 June 2026
  • Leon Stetson was allegedly twitching, so officers moved him away from Carrie Stetson and started to render medical aid.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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