BRANDISH Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

brandish

verb

Definition of brandish next

as in to wave

to put into view in a threatening or excited manner She brandished a stick at the dog. brandished a petition signed by hundreds of town residents

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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

Examples of brandish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Newsom, meanwhile, brandished copies of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue and Jackson Browne’s Hold Out (in honor of his home state of California). —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2024 Kapur exclaimed, brandishing a state-by-state breakdown of Hindu and Muslim populations to show that his fellow Hindus could deliver votes as well as money. —

Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 While it may not be brandished with Halloween details, this is the perfect finishing touch for any vase in your home. —

Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024 The play itself is a work drama, but the parallels may end there, as the show is kicked off by a young tech worker who barrels into a therapist’s office brandishing a gun and demands a therapy session. —

Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for brandish

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brandish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.