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
However, Portugal is the bookmakers’ fourth-favorite of the tournament and boasts a very strong squad with arguably the best midfield in the tournament – Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva all feature. Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 Portugal also boasts a global star in Cristiano Ronaldo, a player with the most Instagram followers in the world at nearly 700 million. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
Noun
SanDisk Extreme Game Drive for PlayStation 5 Deal The SanDisk Extreme Game Drive for PS5 boasts read speeds of up to 1,000MB per second, which ensures quick transfer between the external SSD and your console's internal storage. George Yang, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026 In opening statements last month, Deputy District Attorney Brad Ng said several men, including Smiley Martin, had made boasts earlier that evening in videos recorded on Marconi Avenue that helped fuel the confrontation between rival groups. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Andrew openly discussed bribing law-enforcement officials in War Room chats, and bragged on social media about his connections.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • Prosecutors say Ross shot and killed one victim, injured a young woman who was shielding her infant, and later recorded a rap song bragging about the murder.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Violence doesn’t stay contained.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • However, xGC estimates that even with Lionel Messi, their roster doesn’t quite contain the same threat as teams like France and Spain.
    Ethan Douglas, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • From a parade of tall ships to a downtown block party to glimpse of some of our country’s iconic treasures under one roof, this is the time to celebrate the American Experiment.
    Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
  • Others have noted that police have nabbed underground treasure seekers from time to time.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, owing to the brand’s long legacy of crafting exquisite jewels, aesthetics rule at Bulgari hotels.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • The crown jewel here is the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of geologically young dormant volcanoes inactive for 10,000 years.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The 20-year-old was a persistent nuisance pressing Swiss defenders and nearly produced a highlight-reel goal, ripping a powerful shot that Gregor Kobel tipped onto the crossbar with a spectacular save in the 49th minute.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • If the intent of these summer shows is to connect art to the earth, these objects are the highlight of the show.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Also in honor of Medgar, Jackson has a public library branch of the Jackson/Hinds Library System called Medger Evers Library.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Others have argued that the president's presence should be treated as an honor.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Ronaldo scored in the semi-finals and the final of the Nations League to win his third trophy with Portugal.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The first two seasons also raked in a total of 25 Emmy nominations and nine wins, including Zendaya’s back-to-back trophies for her performance as drug addict Rue Bennett and a guest actor victory for Colman Domingo as her sponsor Ali.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Though all eyes will be on North America, the national pride this event inspires – and the staggered start times that will allow fans watching back in their home countries to take in their teams during sort-of-normal hours – will stir incredible excitement and patriotism all around the world.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • From agricultural legacy, alternative modernization and pride in heritage, a lifestyle of independence and historical significance can be witnessed.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on boast

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster