flourish 1 of 2

Definition of flourishnext

flourish

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flourish distinct from other similar verbs?

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

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When is it sensible to use brandish instead of flourish?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could swing be used to replace flourish?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When might thrash be a better fit than flourish?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of flourish?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish, 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 flourish
Verb
But the Blackhawks have flourished of late, winning a season-high four in a row going into the Washington game. CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026 Come March, those baby steps will lead Masters back to the world stage, where she’s flourished for more than a decade as one of the events’ top stars. Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
That was one last flourish of self-laceration, and there is definitely a matching strain of masochism in Hopkins—not so much a relish of suffering as a rueful acknowledgment that earthly woe is our due. Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 In one apt spooky season flourish, a pet snake features prominently in the clip, at one point slithering all over Offset’s grinning face. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flourish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish
Verb
  • Then the roots turn mushy and can't absorb nutrients and moisture from the soil that the plant needs to thrive.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Schulz will also provide handouts featuring plants that thrive in the local coastal environment and will be available to answer questions about gardens and plants.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even if the House succeeded in impeaching a judge, the Senate would need to affirm that decision by a two-thirds majority vote.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • And more often than not, Miami has succeeded there.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Iran Human Rights Society (IHRS) identified the soldier as Javid Khales, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of 1404, a major wave of anti-regime demonstrations from late 2025 to early 2026 calling for an end to the country’s current dictatorship.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Harvard gutted out the disadvantages, though, staving off wave after wave of Boston University pressure to eventually force overtime.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Beach weddings and backyard events are well-suited to boho and free-spirited pieces, so try a strapless or halter design with details like ruffles and rosettes.
    Alison Syrett Cleary, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Eyelet lace met great proportions at Altuzarra and Jacquemus, while Chloé and McQueen piled on the ruffles.
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, dictators prosper and multiply.
    Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
  • And several of them — like the diner on Milwaukee Avenue — had outwardly appeared to be prospering, only to suddenly shut down.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His killing, and the collective shrug with which it was greeted by the rest of the world, helped pave the way for the even more flagrant breach of international law that Trump has now carried out with his kidnapping of Maduro.
    Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Meghan gave a theatrical, bemused shrug before returning to eating a piece of pie.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • If the beautiful ironwork pieces from Cox London and vintage filigree got together, this sconce would be their love child.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Brooches These beautiful pins, frequently adorned with sparkling rhinestones, intricate enameling, or delicate filigree, were a staple in our grandmothers' jewelry boxes.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • The rookie arrived in Charlotte in May.
    Mike Kaye Updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • His car was seen arriving shortly before the time the murders were believed to have been committed and left shortly after, according to court documents.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flourish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourish. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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