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Definition of boastnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word boast distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of boast are brag, crow, and vaunt. While all these words mean "to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments," boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride.

boasts of every trivial success
the town boasts one of the best museums in the area

When might brag be a better fit than boast?

The words brag and boast can be used in similar contexts, but brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself.

bragging of their exploits

When is crow a more appropriate choice than boast?

In some situations, the words crow and boast are roughly equivalent. However, crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging.

crowed after winning the championship

How is vaunt related to other words for boast?

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

vaunted his country's military might

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 boast
Verb
Happiness Anytime is the follow-up to 2024’s Leon, which boasted contributions from John Mayer plus veteran Nashville songwriters/musicians Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian. Spin Staff, SPIN, 17 July 2026 Herbert boasts 16 picks, 13 fumbles and four lost for 20 total. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 July 2026
Noun
The Trumpian superlative tic took his boasts well beyond the general. Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 The International Federation of American Football counts football-playing members in 79 countries, but the global governing bodies of basketball and soccer boast federations in more than 200 countries. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • But other evidence, including video and text messages of the officer bragging about the shooting, bolstered Martinez’s account and prompted a judge to dismiss the federal charges against her.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Jason bragged about using emotional manipulation over his dead mother to trick Angela.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • At the time of his death, Garcia-Sanchez was hauling asbestos-containing materials from the ninth floor to lower levels using a freight elevator, the report said.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • The fire, which started Saturday, July 18, burned 2,035 acres but is now 100% contained.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • The Atocha, a Spanish treasure galleon, sank in a hurricane off the Florida Keys in 1622 while carrying silver, gold and emeralds.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
  • Vintage Clothes, Jewelry, and Watches Paxton says vintage clothes, jewelry, and watches are one of the top categories for hidden attic treasures worth big bucks.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • The Hope Diamond, the Cursed Diamond On display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, the Hope Diamond is one of the most famous jewels in the world.
    Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • The custodian of this jewel is Amrit Maan, the fourth-generation owner of The Punjab and a man who wears more hats than any one human should reasonably be expected to.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Working with longtime makeup artist Ernesto Casillas, Z showcased a glowy, poreless base with super soft rosy blush diffused on her cheeks, finished with a natural, luminous highlight across her cheekbones like a dapple of sunlight.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • Another sale highlight, and the only item other than the pen and switch set to sell for six figures, was the pressure hatch from the Skylab III command module, flown to and from the United States’ first space station in 1974.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • The Fort Worth City Council approved a $125 million incentive package for the project in June 2025, followed by an October 2025 vote to rename the street in front of the development in its honor.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • So Brewer put his head down and against all odds, fashioned himself into one of the best centers in the league, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Each lifted the Premier League title the following May — part of a treble of trophies in Beckham’s case.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Despite some controversy in the match, La Roja scored a dramatic extra-time winner to claim the World Cup trophy.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Americans felt a sense of national pride from the throngs of international tourists who fell in love with Walmart and ranch dressing.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • In the beginning, the Genesis Convention Center reigned over downtown Gary as a symbol of ambition and pride.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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