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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
On Tuesday, Kansas City officials boasted of $570 million in direct spending, which includes lodging, dining and retail data across nine counties in Missouri and Kansas during the duration of this summer’s soccer tournament. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026 The other belongs to a trust connected to Herb Kai, a member of the Town Council who boasts more than three decades in public service. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 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
  • Separating two magnetic signals Atoms contain several sources of magnetism, including the spins of their electrons and, in some cases, their nuclei.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • These books contained everything from meeting minutes to school budgets and lists of political candidates.
    — Jennifer Rich, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Cadogan comes from a family that knows dirt can be full of treasure.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Harrison added that among the treasures in the collection are personal photos that haven’t left the band’s archive in more than 40 years, as well as album sketches and other rare keepsakes.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The crown jewel of the hotel, the wellness program offers all the usual suspects—massages, facials, and a variety of body treatments meant to soothe sore muscles—plus so much more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026
  • One of her final outings in the jewels was to the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond meals, the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts is a highlight—guests can enjoy complimentary daily tastings to learn about Rhode Island food and wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • While reticent to choose his best career highlight, Stock called last spring’s playoff run memorable.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The honor celebrates films that transcend the screen to become defining cultural moments, capturing audiences’ attention through their impact, reach, and resonance.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The honor also comes as Swift continues to highlight her country music roots.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • With all the new plaques on the way, Drizzy’s going to need another trophy room.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Gophers would love to win the pig trophy for just the third time since 2014 and deal a blow to the Big Ten and CFP hopes of Iowa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Employees got into the Duke fun, too, showing a sense of pride in the character and its relationship to their home base.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Some still believe in the system or feel genuine national pride.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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