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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
Unlike some sportsmen who boast of using modern, complicated equipment to improve their shooting, Kontras thinks more of his skills as a hunter than a shooter. Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 However, this tablet still boasts an impressive 120Hz refresh rate and can clock up to 550 nits of peak brightness. Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
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. Jacqueline Ganun, Fortune, 30 July 2026 Three suites—the Gotham Terrace, Tribeca, and Metropolis Suites—boast outdoor terraces, another rare city treat. Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Pitt receiver Tyreek Robinson’s fishing habit might never have reached Narduzzi’s attention if the Monongahela hadn’t coughed up a 5- to 6-pound bass worth bragging about.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Noling's lawyers wrote in court documents that a man told authorities that his foster brother, Wilson, bragged about committing the crime.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Cohen Building originally housed the Social Security Administration, an important piece of the New Deal legacy, and contains frescoes painted in the 1940s by famed artist Seymour Fogel on the entrance lobby walls, Okin said.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Paul Robinson is accused of hiding a safe containing drugs and cash.
    Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hong Kong — There’s a plucky little Qing Dynasty artifact that at first glance looks out of place among China’s many Forbidden City treasures.
    Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Jabara family loaded themselves and their treasure of berries into Sam’s black Dodge truck and headed back toward Mancelona.
    Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Alexandra would wear the jewel in her coronation crown, as would her successors Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In the latter days of the Shopping Mall Era, the Georgia Square Mall was a jewel of Athens commerce.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The 49ers’ defensive highlight came when Warner, of course, punched a ball free from tight end David Njoku.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • One major highlight, of which there were many, was the excursion to a cenote about a 30-minute drive away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As a freshman last season, Ehler racked up 298 digs, 196 kills and 57 aces for Andrean (16-16, 10-2), earning All-Northwest Crossroads Conference and all-district honors.
    Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • During his illustrious career, Lucisano was honored with five David di Donatello awards, including a lifetime achievement honor in 2009, as well as four Nastri d’Argento Silver Ribbon awards.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With their victory, Cameroon became just the fourth nation to lift the WAFCON trophy since 1998 and the third to win both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations (alongside Nigeria and South Africa).
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The 41-year-old is widely considered one of the best players in history, winning five Ballon d’Or awards in addition to a host of major trophies and record-breaking achievements.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Johnson took pride in the team having only two penalties after emphasizing being disciplined on all three sides of the ball.
    Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Intense pride in their home has resulted in both protective zoning codes and an inbred reluctance to sell.
    Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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