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
The group stayed at the exclusive Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, which boasts an infinity pool, rooftop bar, a private beach club and ocean-view rooms. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 The company offers both professional and casual styles and boasts a presence in more than 120 markets, with more than 16,400 employees worldwide, according to its website. CBS News, 19 May 2026
Noun
In opening statements last month, Deputy District Attorney Brad Ng said several men, including Smiley Martin, had made boasts earlier that evening in videos recorded on Marconi Avenue that helped fuel the confrontation between rival groups. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026 Hall doesn't have the credentials the other two boast. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Oren would even brag about it in a 2022 interview.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
  • Even without the original home still standing, the Hollywood connection gives the property a certain bragging-rights appeal.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Hormones take the child’s body at puberty and conjure from it the adult form, directing the ovaries to mature their eggs or the testicles to produce sperm, each of these gametes containing the potential to create new life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Rare works by Joan Miró adorn the sixth-floor Presidential Suite, while the Royal Suite contains lithographs and modern artworks.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • On and Off the Avenue Rachel Syme hunts for vintage treasure.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • In the series, an ex-treasure-hunter and descendent of a famous pirate uncovers a lost diary that could lead to the mysterious and powerful Emperor’s Stone.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The 1 3/16-mile long race is the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • Alexis Corbière and Alexandre Portier, the French MPs overseeing the government commission investigating the shocking October 19, 2025, Louvre jewel heist, have accused the museum of deprioritizing security at the museum.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • And Dahlin had a five-point game, including a highlight-reel goal.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Robelis Despaigne destroyed Junior dos Santos to open the main card, Mike Perry battered Nate Diaz into a doctor's stoppage in the co-main, and the one legacy name who delivered violence was Francis Ngannou with his highlight-reel KO of Philipe Lins.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Recognition from the annual honors often provides a significant box office boost for Broadway productions and can help sustain ticket sales through the competitive spring season.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • The Sam Gilliam Award was established in 2023 with funding from the Sam Gilliam Foundation and its president, Annie Gawlak, Gilliam’s widow, in honor of the late artist.
    News Desk, Artforum, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Alexia Putellas has won more trophies for Barcelona than any other player in club history, male or female, and her contract expires this summer.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • After winning the contest in 1987, Jordan took home consecutive trophies after besting rival Dominique Wilkins with an unforgettable dunk from the free-throw line.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Signing Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Mattias Samuelsson and Power to long-term deals is also a source of pride for Adams.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Three days later, on February 12, community members joined to raise the flag again, and to date, the pride flag to stands outside the monument, along with several more smaller flags adorning the area.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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