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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
The clutch also boasts designer-worthy details, including a 100 percent premium nappa leather construction with a smooth, supple feel and a protective dust bag for safekeeping. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026 The Fyy Electronic Organizer solves that with multiple mesh pockets that have space for everything from power banks to earbuds, and boasts a water-resistant exterior that adds an extra layer of protection for your belongings. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
For most of his service in the House, Mills’ reputation has been clouded, starting with his campaign boasts of military heroism. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Farrelly, who has been around the block with Hollywood highs and lows, is happy to brag about his star and his potential.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • One of the Jeep Wrangler’s hallmark features is its solid front axle, which off-road enthusiasts brag about.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, the US, and particularly California, has experienced devastating fires that have become easier to ignite and harder to contain as the result of a worsening climate crisis.
    — Salomé Grouard, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Threefold rise in output For the catalyst, the team started with special crystals made from a carbon- and nitrogen-containing compound and lithium chloride.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Meet fairies, walk through Pixie’s Detour and the Rainbow Rainforest, hunt for Giant Dandelions and treasure, chat with Archimedes the talking tree (in English or Spanish), visit the Tree of Life and unlock the Secret Garden laser show.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Nor was the girl, nor were any of the treasures still waiting to be plundered.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The South Korean star is captured in a demure Safari top or leather blazer donning jewels from Damiani’s Belle Époque and Belle Époque Reel collections, including the signature cross pendent.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • As the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness puts Maryland on an international stage every May.
    — TK Kuegler, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Along with chickens and a salt house, the organic garden is home to a rainbow of veggies, flowers, and honeybees—suiting up and stepping into the apiary was a highlight of my stay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The visit to Peru marks the final leg of Leo’s three-nation South America tour and its emotional highlight, given the more than two decades that the former Robert Prevost spent in Peru as a missionary priest and later bishop.
    — Luis Andres Henao, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • At 26, Soldier has earned the distinct honor of being the youngest Hublot collaborator ever.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Kirill Kaprizov scored on a power play in the opening minute of overtime and Jesper Wallstedt made 27 saves as the Minnesota Wild beat the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 on Tuesday night after Carey Price was inducted into the team's ring of honor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Before Ronaldo debuted for Portugal by replacing Luís Figo in a 2003 friendly against Kazakhstan, Portugal had never won any major trophies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In 2022, the Argentine star lifted the World Cup trophy – an achievement many said settled the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a lot of pride in winning the conference championship.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Our community is dying; there’s an underlying sense of desperation, grief and pride that can both protect and suffocate out of a need to survive – this film is ultimately a love letter to us, with a sense of knowing.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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