boast 1 of 2

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
Thanks to its waterfront restaurants, outdoor spaces, and stunning coastlines, the city boasts strong interest in romantic attractions and sunset cruises in particular. Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 But none have boasted the filmmaking pedigree of Cregger, who is currently one of Hollywood’s most in-demand directors. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 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
  • So, The Hawk is number one on Netflix in the US and the service is bragging about it.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • 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
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
  • Symbolism Historically, dragon-slaying stories portrayed the treasure hoard as the ultimate test of a hero’s character.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • Indonesia has intensified efforts in recent years to track down cultural treasures scattered abroad through colonial-era collecting, theft and illicit trafficking, including from the Netherlands, which colonized Indonesia for centuries.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Handcrafted in Italy, the bag features a removable, jewel-like medallion that can be transferred between handbags or worn separately as a necklace pendant or bracelet charm.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • Last week, the Louvre reopened its Apollo Gallery, now empty, as the jewels are still missing.
    News Desk, Artforum, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • That event, centered around the enshrinement of former star receiver Larry Fitzgerald, may turn out to be the highlight of their season.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Showcasing the game at the USC Games Expo was also another highlight.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 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
  • The Kansas City People’s Choice Awards has become more than a night for handing out trophies.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Zizou helped lead his national team to its first-ever World Cup trophy, with the attacking midfielder scoring two goals in the 1998 final.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Plus, the constant convoys of soldiers driving in and out of the base just down the street gave them a sense of security and pride.
    Austin Fast, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Though it was legally banned and deemed indecent in the 19th century, Tahitian dance has grown to become an internationally renowned source of cultural pride.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on boast

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster