boast 1 of 2

Definition of boastnext

boast

2 of 2

noun

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

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
The residence boasts unique elements that transport visitors back to the era of bold design. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Isle of Palms Affectionately known as IOP by the locals, this skinny barrier island boasts multi-story houses flanked by palm trees and pools as the default. Stephanie Burt, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
Some suites have large tubs and others have private Turkish baths, but all boast views of the Dolomites. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Newsom’s boast about per-pupil spending exemplifies the Capitol’s focus on money in its education debates, rather than results. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • While your expressive nature loves the spotlight, group work is currently the ideal way to showcase your skills without accidentally bragging.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Not one receiver on the Miami Dolphins depth chart has established anything worth bragging about throughout their professional careers, and Miami’s two frontline wideouts — Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert — are both career backups.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Such comments did little to stop the speculation, despite his contract at Atletico running to 2030 and containing a €500million (£436m; $577m) release clause.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Testing revealed that one of the devices deployed contained triacetone triperoxide, known as TATP.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mementos, memorabilia and treasures from Weintraub’s unique life will soon be hitting the auction block courtesy of Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
  • No one knows how the treasure ended up buried.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Following Princess Margaret’s death in 2002, its whereabouts remained unclear, adding to its reputation as a missing royal jewel.
    Christopher Luu, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Broward Center, built in 1991, is a critical economic jewel for the city, Hooper said.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That catch alone would have been a career-defining highlight.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The highlight of Ruth Hammack’s week is attending services in the white trailer on the south end of town.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her sister, sophomore Sayler Peck, is also a standout player and earned TABC All-Region honors and a spot on the Star-Telegram All-Area Team.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Top honors in addition to One Battle After Another, went to The Pitt, KPop Demon Hunters, The Studio, Adolescence and Traitors.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • North Texas soccer fans have a chance to see the FIFA World Cup trophy before this summer’s games.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The awards show also sees trophies handed out across 114 categories.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Across the city, tattoo shops are marking the occasion by turning that pride into permanent art.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Mitchell’s achievements are a source of pride for his parents.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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