Synonyms of boast

boast 1 of 2

verb

1

as in to brag

to praise or express pride in one's own possessions, qualities, or accomplishments often to excess

he boasted about his latest killing in real estate so I thought he should be the one to pay for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brag
• vaunt
• exhibit
• display
• blow
• pride
• swagger
• crow
• bull
• vapor
• blow smoke
• expose
• glory
• flaunt
• gasconade
• rejoice
• gush
• bluster
• exult
• puff
• maximize
• harangue
• parade
• brandish
• show off
• glorify
• magnify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimize
• diminish
• belittle
• underrate
• discount
• undervalue
• deprecate
• play down
• shrug off
• regret
• laugh off
• bemoan
• lament
• pooh-pooh
• mourn

2

as in to contain

to have within

the hotel boasts nearly 50 rooms

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contain
• hold
• house
• encompass
• bear
• accommodate
• take
• enclose
• fit
• encase
• harbor
• shelter
• case
• lodge

boast

2 of 2

noun

ˈbōst 

as in treasure

an asset that brings praise or renown

the school's boast was a winning football team

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treasure
• jewel
• highlight
• honor
• trophy
• pride
• feature
• glory
• attraction
• credit
• excellence
• crown jewel
• a feather in one's cap
• value
• merit
• showpiece
• virtue
• pièce de résistance
• distinction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disgrace
• dishonor
• shame
• defect
• stain
• blemish
• blot
• stigma
• slur
• smudge
• mess
• smirch
• fright
• horror
• eyesore

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

Recent Examples of boast

Verb

The Bruins boasted one of the least dynamic rushing attacks in the Big Ten a season ago, as Iamaleava led the team with just 505 rushing yards. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

The Kansas City Current has boasted Black star players throughout its young history. — Pj Green july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Noun

Today, Netanyahu’s boast has boomeranged, transformed from an electoral asset into an advertisement of his diminished influence. — Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

The camera locks Henri in its sights, catching his every empty boast and complicit deed as Hitler’s Final Solution looms, and offering nary a shred of redemption or reassurance. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026