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
Monroe, meanwhile, got a statement eternity band from Joe DiMaggio boasting 36 diamonds all around. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026 The carry-on boasts a multitude of carry options, including removable backpack straps, grab handles, and a luggage pass-through sleeve. Drew Zieff, Outside, 17 Feb. 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
  • California has regained its bragging-rights ranking as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Just kind of do our business and don’t brag.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Honorable mentions New to the regular concession offerings, the Baja-style fruit cups are a light and refreshing snack containing slices of watermelon, mango, jicama and cucumber and they are garnished with chamoy, lime juice and Tajin.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Water and moisture resistance Wood and water don’t mix well, and any type of flooring that contains wood will be prone to warping, rot and permanent water damage.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There are outfit repeaters, vintage treasure hunters, and even emotional dressers.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Search for treasures at Chesterdales Antiques, a must-stop for antique and vintage hunters, or browse boutiques on the walkable shopping streets—Fifth Avenue or Third Avenue.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The adjacent chamber is in glittering gold tiles and features designs that are themselves mosaics of jewels, silks, sequins and even mink.
    Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Fewer than 10 jewels attributed to Queen Amélie are known today, including a small group of sapphires and pearls that were taken from the Louvre in an elaborate heist last October.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Magic rookie Jase Richardson fell short of accomplishing his goal of winning the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday night, but the 20-year-old guard has no regrets participating in the highlight event.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
  • And then there's the commercials, which have consistently been a highlight of the festivities.
    Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Light, Mutschler, and Daniel McAvay made the All-Tournament team for the Hawks, while Brown earned MVP honors.
    Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing as millions participate in festivities and honor traditions believed to bring good fortune.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The inaugural championship brings 24 finalists from UESL’s six San Diego County and Imperial County locations to compete for a team trophy and individual awards.
    Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Despite being one of the league’s founding clubs, FCD is still searching for its first MLS Cup, a contrast to reigning champion Inter Miami, which lifted the trophy in just its eighth year of existence.
    Abraham Nudelstejer, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On the men’s side, Zuccarello takes pride in his country’s 19-year streak of appearing at the World Championships, and two Norwegians — Brandsegg-Nygård (Detroit) and Stian Solberg (Anaheim) — were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Now, Bogaerts, who still keeps tabs on his old team, watches clips of Rafaela being a human highlight reel at his old stomping grounds with pride.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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