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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
As a result, their image sharpness is quite similar, but the Roman telescope boasts a significantly larger camera and field of view. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 And for a more lightweight option, the Radiant Finish Foundation boasts similar benefits with a slightly glowy result. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 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
  • In a recent interview with the right-wing publication the Daily Wire, a police chief in the tiny town of Sahuarita, Arizona bragged that his officers have been using them for years.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This lineup runs drink to dessert—a big-batch punch, two easy apps, sides with seasonal personality, a showstopping roast, and a cheesecake to brag about—and most of it can be made ahead, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when the doorbell rings.
    Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The lawsuit filed by two former employees contains allegations that are false, misleading, and unsupported by credible evidence.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The lawsuit, first reported by the Times of San Diego, contains previously unreported details about the shooting and the events leading up to it.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fifty-something years later, Rush remains a North American treasure.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The steward of this American treasure since the patriarch died in 2013, Jeanie Buss dug in her Christian Louboutin heels in a fight to keep her family in the hierarchy of the purple and gold.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The owner of this famous jewel—still worn today by the women of the Luxembourg royal family —did not seem destined to become a grand duchess.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Vienna robbery also comes less than a year after the brazen theft of jewels from the Louvre in Paris.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • His career highlight was winning the NBA Slum Dunk contest during All Star weekend in February.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Dern kicked off the tribute following the career spanning highlight reel.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • So to be a part of that in any way is exciting, but to have the honor of actually playing her husband in something?
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Kennedy used some of his MacArthur money to establish what would become the New York State Writers Institute, and in 1984, a grateful metropolis laid on a citywide celebration in his honor.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • His chambers are in Islandia, on Long Island, with tennis trophies on the desk and an electric shoe buffer in the corner.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Hines made history as the first Black head coach to lead a club and to win a trophy in the NWSL.
    Scott Turick, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Harris credited his defensive line and said the team takes pride in being a hard team to run against.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In short, Parton may not have claimed to be a feminist, but her feminist fans claimed her just the same — with pride and affection.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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