flourish 1 of 2

flourish

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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
These sections weren’t just rhetorical flourishes from Murasaki. Andrew Paul Jul 16, Popular Science, 16 July 2025 Yes, there were surprising flavor and textural combinations and artistic flourishes on the plate, but the service set Uchi apart as much as the cuisine. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Noun
Next, Bok Tower Gardens’ horticulture manager Taylor Walker (a notable fruit aficionado) will discuss the unique microclimate of Central Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge in a presentation about which fruits flourish here. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025 Mattie’s Garden began to flourish, especially the microgreens. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flourish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish
Verb
  • Not to mention, New York’s crime rates and rising costs only compound the challenges for businesses trying to thrive.
    Mike Dunleavy, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
  • As for Jovic, the challenge is staying healthy and carving out a consistent role in the Heat’s rotation after beginning last season as a starter, then being completely moved out of the rotation, and ultimately thriving in a sixth man role off the bench during the back half of the season.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • In choosing Khadija Walker to succeed Madigan, the county executive followed the law.
    Charles E. Sydnor, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2025
  • The book, which took six years to complete, is specifically aimed at young women interested in the medical field, providing insight into the persistence required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • That middle-aged wave of insomnia has taught me not to take restful sleep for granted.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
  • No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Princess Charlotte added ruffles and youthful verve to her navy and white polka dot Guess dress for Sunday’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final match between England and Spain in Basel, Switzerland.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
  • Blouses with charming ruffles are very much in style, while others offer a more minimalist approach.
    Renata Joffre, Glamour, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Once the first generation of mom-and-pop motels prospered, the first chain operations arose and followed, targeting travelers who wanted no surprises.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • Law is a sector that can prosper in hostile environments—litigation thrives during both prosperity and adversity, and downtimes can be a boon for countercyclical practices like bankruptcy and restructuring.
    Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • When the owner of this restaurant group warns salmon are in danger of extinction, many shrug.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Now, as Trump continues to tout the policy, the economy is humming along and Wall Street is responding to each new tariff with a shrug.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • There are a few digital filigrees and subtones added by the experimental pop wizard A. G. Cook.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Responding to a 911 call placed by the surviving victim, officers with the Austin Police Department arrived at 804 East Braker Lane and found both occupants suffering from gunshot wounds.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • The flight eventually made its way back toward Tucson, arriving nearly 3 hours after it was initially scheduled to get there, according to Heaton.
    Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flourish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourish. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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