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
Each company puts an income disclosure statement on its website, numbers that don’t square with Wellington’s boasts. David J. Neal may 12, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 Repped internationally by Luxbox, the film boasts an ensemble cast led by Luisa Huertas, Guillermo Rios, Sergio Bautista, Benny Emmanuel, Teresa Lozano and Adriana Jacomé, alongside Diaz and Paz. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 May 2026
Noun
And its other selections all boast skill sets that can help the team in the short and long term. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Nick Blankenburg followed Kulak to Colorado, and the Avs boast quality, balance and depth on their blue line. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • The officer who rammed Martinez’s car and shot her multiple times — and bragged about it in his text messages — was allowed to leave the state and repair the car involved in the incident.
    Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • Proctor bragged about properly hydrating himself before practice, which is something past and present Dolphins coaches and trainers annually lecture the newcomers about to avoid dehydration, and the use of intravenous fluids.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • According to a source briefed on the situation, the illness was contained to the Victoire.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • The public ferry contains a ramp, but wheelchair users arriving by the small guest-only boats will need assistance getting on and off.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 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
  • The honor went to Bozeman, Montana, whose main university is Montana State University, according to RentCafe.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • As the Cannes Film Festival 2026 begins on Tuesday, May 12, and runs through Saturday, May 23, actors, directors, producers, and more descend on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in support of the 21 films competing for the coveted Palme d’Or, the annual international festival’s highest honor.
    Maggie Coughlan, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Pyteh has shown skill on the high school wrestling team, winning one trophy and next going after the state championship.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Given the money paid for players and its rich history of silverware, winning trophies is the bare minimum expected of its players and failure to do so usually leads to ruthless changes in the squad.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Assayas takes a cynical and clichéd view regarding temptation and corruption, worldly rewards of security and pleasure, even ego and pride, while having nothing to say about the transformations envisioned or the values embodied in the exercise of political authority.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • Sebastian enjoys staying active and takes pride in participating in a variety of sports, including football, soccer, volleyball, and track.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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