boast 1 of 2

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
DoorDash similarly boasted recently of cost-savings from using Chinese AI models for some of its work, and last week became the latest company to get a letter from US House committees requesting information about its use of Chinese tech. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Sagittarius boasts the most possible birthstones of any star sign, with five in total. Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
Today, Netanyahu’s boast has boomeranged, transformed from an electoral asset into an advertisement of his diminished influence. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 The camera locks Henri in its sights, catching his every empty boast and complicit deed as Hitler’s Final Solution looms, and offering nary a shred of redemption or reassurance. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Along with facing off against the likes of Tom Brady and Karl-Anthony Towns, Bieber also challenged Djokovic, 39, to a bonus game of ping pong — and couldn’t help but brag about his skill.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Aid agencies say mistrust, misinformation about Ebola, and resistance to restrictions on traditional burial practices have fueled hostility toward health workers and complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • While conducting a raid on his home Monday, federal agents seized 14 devices, including a hard drive and USB drive containing child pornography.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • New lighting and wall labels, redesigned layouts, and the introduction of new services are all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while the Uffizi will protect its treasures through improved conservation and security schemes.
    News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Louisiana Located along Baton Rouge's eclectic Government Street corridor, Circa 1857 and The Pink Elephant are must-stops for travelers who love uncovering one-of-a-kind treasures with a story.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The romantic gesture set off a trend and from around 1790 to 1830, miniature artists began to house these tiny eyes in jewels as precious keepsakes.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The roaring jewel martini is made with Beluga Gold Line Vodka and a dry vermouth rinse, then topped with Billecart-Salmon Champagne Le Reserve and garnished with olives and a spoonful of beluga caviar.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • While competing in the games was one highlight, Phillips said her first visit to Israel was also personally meaningful for three main reasons.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The highlight of Tuesday’s practice was a massive downfield catch by Moore from Josh Allen, which ended with Moore reaching the end zone for a 50-plus-yard touchdown.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The former Alabama and Michigan transfer was named to the Maxwell Award preseason watchlist Monday and earned preseason All-ACC first-team honors.
    Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • For years, many professionals wore multitasking like a badge of honor.
    Marie Holive, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Atherton’s resurgence, by contrast, reflects the new fortunes being created by artificial intelligence leaders producing a new generation of ultrawealthy buyers eager to purchase trophy estates in the heart of Silicon Valley.
    Luisa Yanez August 3, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Like many real estate developers, Sajwani prefers to think about his trophy purchases in terms of location and scarcity.
    Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • His brand shone as a symbol of national pride and soft power.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Rivera nearly stuck the vault, her coach Valeri Liukin beaming with pride.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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