brandish

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brandish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brandish are flourish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could flourish be used to replace brandish?

The synonyms flourish and brandish are sometimes interchangeable, but flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When might swing be a better fit than brandish?

The meanings of swing and brandish largely overlap; however, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

Where would thrash be a reasonable alternative to brandish?

The words thrash and brandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of brandish?

While in some cases nearly identical to brandish, wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

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 brandish The man said Sipple appeared during the altercation and became involved, brandishing a firearm, according to the affidavit. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025 More notable, however, is a four-minute sequence in which the film turns into an actual first-person shooter, and Reaper runs through corridors brandishing guns, grenades, and, of course, the franchise's iconic chainsaw to exterminate some unwanted pests. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Together, the statements gave the impression Martinez had been brandishing her firearm when she was shot. Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 Ace holds center stage, knees bent, slung low to the ground, brandishing his Gibson while Gene and Paul preen on either side of him. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
Verb
  • During a test run as the Pioneer transitioned from running on its hull to lifting four feet above the water on its slender foils, several boats coming the other way began to point and wave at us.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
  • At the end of the ad, an AI Santa Claus is seen waving with a bottle of the soft drink in his right hand as the animals wave back and cheer.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, United Airlines announced hundreds of cuts through early next week, including 168 on Saturday; 158 on Sunday; 190 on Monday and 269 on Tuesday.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Marshawn Kneeland, who appeared in 18 games with the Dallas Cowboys since his 2024 NFL rookie season, died at the age of 24 Thursday, the team announced.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The batteries are also expected to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper to produce than existing lithium-ion packs.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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