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
Seal Rock, at the north point of the beach, often boasts sightings of seals and sea lions. Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026 Beyond its impressive discount, the Eau de Parfum boasts a compliment-worthy scent with floral and amber notes. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Luka Garza’s Celtics tenure began with a boast. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 Because the truth takes time to come to light, the anti-Trump side will be slow to respond to the pro-Trump boast and brag. David Frum, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Last month, prosecutors dropped assault charges against Marimar Martinez after questions arose about the official version of an agent who shot her in traffic in Brighton Park, purportedly in self-defense, then bragged later about his marksmanship in text messages with his buddies.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
  • At the Daily Caller, Neff bragged about his posts to at least one colleague.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The current edition, DSM-5-TR, contains more than 300 distinct mental disorders such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and alcohol use disorder.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Electronic waste from phones, laptops and more contains high concentrations of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, gold and silver.
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The dictator had set his mind on claiming all the sunken treasure off his country’s coast and would brook no competition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Explore the Museum of Underwater Art, Australia Snorkelers and scuba divers glide by dozens of underwater art installations at this museum filled with sunken treasures.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • April 24 Launched last season, the crown jewel of the Basin’s adventure dining offerings is the Progressive Skinner’s Dinner, each of its four courses requiring some traveling.
    Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Taking its name from Don Winslow’s novella, Crime 101 stars Chris Hemsworth as Mike, a lone-wolf jewel thief operating along the Pacific Coast Highway.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Tarzan This late-episode highlight just has a very funny conceit (Tarzan breaks up with Jane after noticing several red flags) paired with a host who has the benefit of having played this character before in a big-budget film.
    Charu Sinha, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The highlight of these sneakers is definitely the striking Shox pillars on the sole.
    Katharina Fuchs, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An honor council, comprised of administrators, teachers, and members of the student government, would sit in judgment on cases of alleged cheating.
    Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Although the name and separate unit were more likely signs of antisemitism than respect, the group wore the distinction as a badge of honor, Grymes said.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Walter revealed where her trophy is displayed in her home.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The club’s stated aims are to compete for European qualification and a first major trophy.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Gergely Karácsony, mayor of Budapest, Hungary, was charged with organizing an unlawful assembly despite a prohibition order for his role in organizing a gay pride event.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
  • There was a large sense of pride in Mike McCarthy's hometown neighborhood of Greenfield as the Pittsburgh native was introduced as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
    Cassidy Wood, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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