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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 Bruins boasted one of the least dynamic rushing attacks in the Big Ten a season ago, as Iamaleava led the team with just 505 rushing yards. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The Kansas City Current has boasted Black star players throughout its young history. Pj Green july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Noun
The Trumpian superlative tic took his boasts well beyond the general. Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 The International Federation of American Football counts football-playing members in 79 countries, but the global governing bodies of basketball and soccer boast federations in more than 200 countries. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • So, The Hawk is number one on Netflix in the US and the service is bragging about it.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • But other evidence, including video and text messages of the officer bragging about the shooting, bolstered Martinez’s account and prompted a judge to dismiss the federal charges against her.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Eden Housing plans to build a four- or five-story building containing 50 to 60 units of affordable housing for seniors at the site, said Charles Liuzzo, Eden’s director of real estate development.
    Theresa Clift July 29, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • All told, the guiding strategic defense principle contained in the handbook tends to be reactive rather than proactive.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • An elegant conservatory, a beloved aquarium known for its shimmering jade green tiles reminiscent of an underwater tavern, and the small but excellent Dossin Great Lakes Museum are a few of the treasures found here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • The idea of finding that lost treasure is universal, whether finding the Holy Grail or finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or finding Jesus.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Handcrafted in Italy, the bag features a removable, jewel-like medallion that can be transferred between handbags or worn separately as a necklace pendant or bracelet charm.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • Last week, the Louvre reopened its Apollo Gallery, now empty, as the jewels are still missing.
    News Desk, Artforum, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The chicken enchiladas with salsa verde cremosa were good, but the Black Angus tacos, served on corn tortillas darkened with squid ink, are the highlight here.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The other highlight was an immersive fashion exhibition spread over two floors.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • The Fort Worth City Council approved a $125 million incentive package for the project in June 2025, followed by an October 2025 vote to rename the street in front of the development in its honor.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • So Brewer put his head down and against all odds, fashioned himself into one of the best centers in the league, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The Kansas City People’s Choice Awards has become more than a night for handing out trophies.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Zizou helped lead his national team to its first-ever World Cup trophy, with the attacking midfielder scoring two goals in the 1998 final.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Plus, the constant convoys of soldiers driving in and out of the base just down the street gave them a sense of security and pride.
    Austin Fast, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Though it was legally banned and deemed indecent in the 19th century, Tahitian dance has grown to become an internationally renowned source of cultural pride.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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