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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
Today First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles boasts a membership of nearly twenty thousand. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 With a generation of listeners boasting shorter attention spans and having a glut of releases at their disposal, projects tend to get discarded within weeks, and this kind of move can help alleviate that. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
That standard still holds for his frequent barrages of boasts, insults, threats, grouses and indecipherable dispatches via Truth Social. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 There are few places where contradictions between the president's boasts and the economic reality of his tariffs are more likely to collide ahead of November's midterm elections than in battleground Michigan, which holds its primary on Tuesday. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Seaver, who announced Parton’s death at the age of 80, bragged about the deal in Haiti in that message, court records show.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Afterward, Lisa brags about her pickpocketing skills and says theft is easier and less insulting to the mark.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Shauf quit drinking in 2020, and while The Party contains its fair share of drunken regret, alcohol is a more central subject on the afterparty’s other two outtakes.
    — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The medical response has focused largely on treating and containing the disease, with little to no attention to the mental health of those affected.
    — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Supporting this remarkable local treasure offers a rare chance to experience authentic culinary artistry from a true master.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
  • There’s joy, there’s music, there’s magically regenerating food, trees that flower and fruit at the same time, piles of treasure, crystals that rain from the sky, everlasting happiness and health.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile the star accessorized with matching pointy pumps and loaded up on glittering jewels courtesy of Cartier.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Diamond jewels by Cartier, including the house’s Agrafe earrings, completed Chan’s look.
    — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Amenities and experiences The rooftop is the hotel's main highlight.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Patrick said that the audience's reaction when Belle first appears in the gown is a highlight for the wardrobe team.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The couple next returned to Princeton, and other honors soon followed for the poet.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • And the two players in the Heat’s starting unit who haven’t yet earned that honor — Mitchell and Wiggins — are both considered quality perimeter defenders.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There was supposed to be more champagne, a trophy to raise, and the first World Series three-peat by a National League team to jot down in the history books.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Smart bets say yes, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other songs worthy of the trophy this year.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some will say past results don’t matter, but many of TCU’s veterans are used to beating Baylor and take pride it in.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Behind the reputation that surrounded them, there was humor, loyalty, and pride.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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