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boast

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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
Vermont wins in arts (1st) and health care (1st) and already boasts a high senior population (2nd), but is weighed down by affordability (12th) and poor weather (43rd). Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025 The 14-track album boasts features from Chris Brown, Lil Baby, Big Freedia, Busta Rhymes and Bossman Dlow. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 July 2025
Noun
Despite the boasts, Facey’s practice was collapsing. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 But Barham plays the role both for plaints and for boasts. Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • President Donald Trump is bragging that Japan has given him, as part of a new trade framework, $550 billion to invest in the United States.
    Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • In a 2005 interview with Howard Stern, Trump bragged about his access to contestants, some of whom were as young as 14.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The fruit contains a high water content and has many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
  • The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • After 37 years with the same caring owners, this vintage treasure is ready for its next chapter.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025
  • For some people in the Heber area, and some of the tourists that flock here each summer, these bands of roaming horses are a local treasure and a piece of Western history.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Dreck is intended to highlight that rules are not alone in the regulatory universe, and urge that policymakers recognize and be held to account for the laundering of regulation by non-rule means to influence outcomes or inflict obligations, whether intentional or not.
    Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • However, the jewel of the hotel is its shimmering heated saltwater pool.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Kardashian's jewels also featured two Lorraine Schwartz necklaces with approximately 250 carats of diamonds.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Featured highlights included Space Age conversation pit and a rotating fireplace/TV, indoor BBQ, cosmic nursery and Mister Fantastic’s futuristic lab.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 July 2025
  • Along with live music, highlights include a free craft activity, balloon art and face painting.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • It's been an absolute honor to represent the Chancellor legacy.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 July 2025
  • The 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall and will qualify for the National Teacher of the Year top honor, which typically announces its winner in the following spring.
    Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • With Trump and Infantino in the middle of the stage, the Chelsea squad lifted the trophy to officially celebrate the win.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Reece James #24 of Chelsea FC lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their team's victory as U.S. Reece James #24 of Chelsea FC lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their team's victory as U.S. David Ramos/Getty Images This is a developing story and will be updated.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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