boast

noun

\ ˈbōst

Definition of boast

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a statement expressing excessive pride in oneself : the act or an instance of boasting (see boast entry 2) : brag It may sound like a boast, but I truly am very wealthy.

2 : a cause for pride

boast

verb (1)

boasted; boasting; boasts

Definition of boast (Entry 2 of 3)

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.

2a : 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

boast

verb (2)

boasted; boasting; boasts

Definition of boast (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

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

Other Words from boast Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about boast

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Other Words from boast

Noun

boastful \ ˈbōst-fəl

\ adjective

boastfully \ ˈbōst-fə-lē

\ adverb

boastfulness noun

Verb (1)

boaster noun

Choose the Right Synonym for boast

Verb (1)

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

Examples of boast in a Sentence

Noun

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 on the Web: Noun

Ironically, in Singapore, Chu’s all-Asian boast is nothing more than a perpetuation of the existing Chinese dominance in mainstream media and pop culture. — Kirsten Han, Vox, "Crazy Rich Asians is a win for Asian Americans. But it gets Singapore wrong.," 17 Aug. 2018 Credit on this point goes to Donald Trump, who mocked Ms. Warren’s genetic boast and no doubt prompted her to get the truth out before the 2020 campaign begins. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "We’re All Native Americans Now," 15 Oct. 2018 The Cubs backed up Arrieta’s boast and went on to win the division. — Paul Sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs hoping clubhouse chemistry stays same despite changes," 18 Mar. 2018 His boasts about his residence, bank account and intelligence sound like someone who wants membership in a club that has repeatedly rejected him. — Eugene Scott, Washington Post, "Trump’s dislike of — and desire to be a part of — the ‘elite’," 21 June 2018 Shows including One Day at a Time and Jane the Virgin boast talented casts illustrating a variety of experiences that Latinx people can identify with. — Isabella Gomez, Teen Vogue, "The Emmys 2018 Are More Diverse Than Ever — But Latinx Stories Are Still Missing," 17 Sep. 2018 Mr Yameen, meanwhile, campaigns on a mix of warnings about threats to the country’s Islamic faith and boasts of his record in luring investment. — The Economist, "Democracy is foundering in the Maldives," 21 June 2018 Prepare to watch the NRA boast about getting higher donations. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "Parkland activists respond to Santa Fe school shooting: “You didn’t deserve this”," 19 May 2018 The contracts oblige the companies to separate 20 percent of the waste for recycling, while other cities boast of separating 80 percent, according to environmental experts. — Washington Post, "A big stink erupts over landfills ringing Russia’s capital," 19 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

After revoking the Edict of Nantes, and with it the civil and religious liberties that the law had afforded Protestants in his realm, Louis XIV boasted that France had become the most intolerant land in Europe. — Thomas Albert Howard, WSJ, "‘Religious Freedom in Islam’ Review: Politics and Pluralism," 13 May 2019 Trump then boasted about his achievements at the border: ....however, for strictly political reasons and because they have been pulled so far left, do NOT want Border Security. — Aaron Rupar, Vox, "Trump: I secured the border. Trump an hour later: I need billions for a wall to secure the border.," 11 Dec. 2018 The pork boasted solid flavor, exhibiting a slightly sweet undertone, making for a nice compliment to the vegetables. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Ngon Appetit keeps it simple with 3 items — soup, sandwiches, crepes," 11 July 2018 The homes — steps away from the LINK light rail, the Seattle Streetcar and the historic Union Station — also boast proximity to Seattle’s multiple modes of mass transit for commuters and urban adventurers. — Koda, The Seattle Times, "Opening of sales gallery, public sales debut set for March 30," 29 Mar. 2019 In addition to the typical Florida fare (a beach club, a golf club) the town also boasts an impressive modern-art scene, which is what drew the couple, both avid collectors, to the area. — Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "This Beach House Features the Most Surprisingly Awesome Color Combinations," 4 Mar. 2019 The van also boasts an exterior hot-and-cold shower, a Mac Trac mounting system, and a small galley kitchen with storage and a simple sink. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Camper van with skylights lives large in 100 square feet," 17 Dec. 2018 Aside from the incredible décor and design of the space, the store also boasts some limited-edition pieces only sold there. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Chanel's New Flagship Store Will Sell Limited-Edition Bags, Fragrances, and Watches," 15 Nov. 2018 In addition to 12 slots for storing all of your standard makeup brushes, the cylindrical bag also boasts a roomy zipper compartment for holding a handful of beauty essentials. — Maria Cassano, Allure, "The 21 Best Makeup Bags and Cosmetic Cases for Every Budget," 29 Aug. 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.