boast

noun \ ˈbōst \

|Updated on: 22 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: boast in a Sentence

Definition of boast

1 : a statement expressing excessive pride in oneself : the act or an instance of boasting (see ²boast) : brag

It may sound like a boast, but I truly am very wealthy.

2 : a cause for pride

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boastful

play \ˈbōst-fəl\ adjective

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boastfully

play \-fə-lē\ adverb

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boastfulness

noun

See boast defined for English-language learners

See boast defined for kids

Examples of boast in a Sentence

When he says he's the richest man in town, he's not just making an idle boast.
We were offended by his boast that he would easily beat us.
The museum's proudest boast is its collection of rare gems.

Recent Examples of boast from the Web

But explaining Bates’ simple boast requires a complex accounting of cases that are nearly two decades old.

— tim prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Ivan Bates' 'undefeated' claim of prosecuting murders in Baltimore not a clear cut case," 14 June 2018
In her introduction, Moore stresses that the title of this book should not be read as a boast.

— dwight garner, New York Times, "In Lorrie Moore’s Nonfiction, the Sounds of an Intellectual Having a Good Time," 26 Mar. 2018
The cubes are made of lightweight nylon and boast durable, fully finished interior seams, along with YKK zippers that open and close easily.

— seamus bellamy/connor whooley, USA TODAY, "The best luggage of 2018," 1 June 2018
In his boasts about becoming famous, the teen touched on something that has worried survivors of shootings and their relatives alike.

— mark berman, Washington Post, "Parkland suspect detailed plans in chilling videos: ‘I’m going to be the next school shooter’," 30 May 2018
But while a number of SEC coaches will face starting QB decisions in August few boasts Mullen’s track record developing the position.

— edgar thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Dan Mullen challenges Gators' QBs 'to get it done'," 30 May 2018
In an effort to entice high-end tenants to its mixed-use development, Hawkins’ sales brochures boast of the rapidly growing area’s wealth.

— maria l. la ganga, idahostatesman, "More movie theaters. Cushy reclining seats. Eagle Road will go further upscale.," 30 May 2018
What clientele was Emma Williams trying to attract with her graveyard boast?

— darryl levings, kansascity, "Sex in the city: Where prostitution once flourished in KC | The Kansas City Star," 20 Apr. 2018
Tijuana claims to be the craft beer capital of Mexico, and the best places on La Revu to test that boast are at Azteca Craft Brewing, Teorema/Ludica, Border Psycho Cantina as well as Cine Tonala and La Justina.

— james clark, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Meet the neighbors with Tijuana daytrip," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of boast

Middle English boost

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

boast Synonyms

Phrases

a feather in one's cap;

boast

verb

Definition of boast

boasted; boasting; boasts

intransitive verb

1 : to praise oneself extravagantly in speech : speak of oneself with excessive pride

boasting about her accomplishments

2 archaic : glory, exult

transitive verb

1 : to speak of or assert with excessive pride

He liked to boast that he was the richest man in town.

2 a : to possess and often call attention to (something that is a source of pride)

boasts a new stadium

b : have, contain

a room boasting no more than a desk and a chair

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boaster

noun

Recent Examples of boast from the Web

The Astros boasting that kind of firepower was already unfair.

— jon tayler, SI.com, "The Houston Astros Are Only Getting Better," 19 June 2018
Instead, it's mostly focused on a monthly music subscription, Apple Music, which charges $9.99 monthly and boasts 50 million subscribers, second to No.

— jefferson graham, USA TODAY, "What Oprah's Apple deal tells you about your next Apple subscription bill," 18 June 2018
Like all of Briogeo’s products, the duo has quality ingredients (not to mention results) while boasting a six-free formula.

— rebecca norris, Allure, "Briogeo's Be Gentle, Be Kind Shampoo and Conditioner Are Already Sephora Best-Sellers," 15 June 2018
Three months after Trump’s boasts, the steady stream of departing White House officials shows no sign of slowing, but the administration has a plan to replace them.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "No One Wants to Work at the White House So It’s Having a Job Fair on Friday," 14 June 2018
What do Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Madonna have in common (aside from boasting successful music careers)?

— grace gavilanes, PEOPLE.com, "Presenting ... The Most Star-Studded Music Videos of All Time," 13 June 2018
Berkshire has never engaged in short-term behavior, whether quarterly earnings guidance or otherwise, and today boasts a unique shareholder group that trades far less, holds far longer and has enjoyed far greater returns than any peer.

— WSJ, "Quarterly Guidance Versus the Long Term," 12 June 2018
The suites are spectacular, boasting private plunge pools, clawfoot tubs, walk-in closets, the most comfortable Egyptian-cotton bed linens, and incredible views of the twins—Gros and Petit Piton.

— jessi walker, Marie Claire, "Weekend Travel Guide to Saint Lucia," 11 June 2018
In addition to Fountain, whose galvanizing singing soars and roars with fire-and-brimstone intensity, the Blind Boys boast equally gifted vocal dynamos in Jimmy Carter, George Scott and Johnny Fields.

— george varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Blind Boys' vocal legend Clarence Fountain, dead at 88, remembered in his own inimitable words," 6 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of boast

see ¹boast

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of boast

boast, brag, vaunt, crow mean to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments. boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration

- boasts of every trivial success

, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride.

- the town boasts one of the best museums in the area

brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself.

- bragging of their exploits

vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag.

- vaunted his country's military might

crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging.

- crowed after winning the championship

boast

verb

Definition of boast

boasted; boasting; boasts

transitive verb

: to shape (stone) roughly in sculpture and stonecutting as a preliminary to finer work

Origin and Etymology of boast

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1823

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

BOAST Defined for English Language Learners

boast

noun

Definition of boast for English Language Learners

: a statement in which you express too much pride in yourself or in something you have, have done, or are connected to in some way
: a reason to be proud : something impressive that someone or something has or has done