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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
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 There are few places where contradictions between the president's boasts and the economic reality of his tariffs are more likely to collide ahead of November's midterm elections than in battleground Michigan, which holds its primary on Tuesday. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Seaver, who announced Parton’s death at the age of 80, bragged about the deal in Haiti in that message, court records show.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Afterward, Lisa brags about her pickpocketing skills and says theft is easier and less insulting to the mark.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In a rebus crossword, certain squares contain more than one letter.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • To demonstrate practical potential, the team built a larger pouch-cell prototype containing 150 mg of iodine.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • To defend us all from another generation's youth, treasure and opportunity squandered at the altar of endless war.
    — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • An amateur historian has stumbled upon a provocative clue to the enduring mystery of what became of a notorious pirate who raided a royal Indian treasure ship centuries ago, implicating a co-conspirator whose name is familiar to many New Yorkers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 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
  • The spa The spa is another recent highlight, after opening in the basement on April 1, with treatments available both there and in suites.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The highlight was its largest operating segment — Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions — getting back to exceeding both sales and profit expectations in the quarter, paired with an improved outlook for the rest of the year.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Tapestry's recognition also adds to a growing collection of national honors earned by Minnesota food businesses.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Jacoby will compete for regional Teacher of the Year honors through the central states, followed by a national competition next fall.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • With all the new plaques on the way, Drizzy’s going to need another trophy room.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Gophers would love to win the pig trophy for just the third time since 2014 and deal a blow to the Big Ten and CFP hopes of Iowa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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