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

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
Detroit’s catchers have issued the third-fewest challenges in the league, despite boasting the highest success rate. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 The bold, eye-catching top boasts a longline design, much like the exercise styles of the early 2000s, and the colorblock finish is the icing on the cake. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Nick Blankenburg followed Kulak to Colorado, and the Avs boast quality, balance and depth on their blue line. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026 Its leaders are also in a weaker position than their boasts of victory would suggest. Marc Champion, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • After Mullins was killed, police interviewed a man who said Mullins had bragged to him about killing Watkins, when the two were housed in a Bay Area jail together, authorities said in court filings.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The winning grade gets recognized with a special hot breakfast or bragging tags for their backpacks.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Still, even as the memes become borderline unintelligible, Kirkslop contains an air of transgression that imbues the otherwise inane edits and images with perverse political undercurrents.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The group contains multiple doctors and lawyers.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Children are seen as neither a treasure nor the future flag bearers of this country’s immense potential and responsibility.
    Randi Weingarten, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Her sculptural face is framed by a crown of fabric wrapped around her head and is dripping with jewels.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The shoes went with her couture Maison Margiela dress, which was jewel-embellished and featured a crinkly circular feature framing her.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • It was supposed to be a highlight of the 1992 holiday movie season, a major-studio comedy release with a cast that included Robin Williams, Joan Cusack, LL Cool J, and a cameo from Jamie Foxx for his first film credit.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
  • But the highlight, for me, was a cattle drive.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Southwest Airlines is going red, white and blue in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier this month, the Read with Jenna founder interviewed her dad for a special History Talks segment in honor of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But once again, the conversation continues about whether the sport should abandon the current 12-team playoff format in favor of a 24-team playoff that is essentially handing out participation trophies along with a lucrative check.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
  • For Corso, watching Indiana lift a national championship trophy this season wasn’t just about football.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • But nothing has replaced the void left by mining, which, though dangerous and poorly paid, galvanized those who descended into the earth with working-class pride and purpose.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • For Sandra De Anda, the network coordinator for Orange County Rapid Response Network, which connects immigrants to legal help and runs a hotline to report ICE sightings, the poll results are a source of pride.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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