Synonyms of brandish

brandish

verb

as in to wave

to put into view in a threatening or excited manner

She brandished a stick at the dog.

brandished a petition signed by hundreds of town residents

Related Words

• wave
• announce
• produce
• advertise
• proclaim
• flaunt
• unveil
• expose
• exhibit
• flourish
• post
• display
• flash
• publicize
• air
• parade
• strut
• show
• herald
• broadcast
• sport
• show off
• reveal
• divulge
• lay out
• placard
• discover
• trumpet
• tell (of)
• disport
• sound
• blaze
• talk (about)
• uncover
• bare
• unmask
• uncloak

Dissimilar Words

• disguise
• mask
• camouflage
• conceal
• hide
• cover
• obscure
• veil
• curtain
• occlude
• enshroud
• occult
• shroud

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

Recent Examples of brandish

Loyalty is displayed by wearing club or country colors, kits, jerseys, and badges and brandishing flags and banners. —Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026

After flying the drone, Choyce brandished a gun and pointed the firearm at the seller before taking the drone and leaving in a vehicle, according to the District Attorney’s Office. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026

Chaney was seen brandishing a handgun with an extended drum magazine from the SUV and firing several times at the Mercedes, police said. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

After Clemson Cockfield and Lopez approached him brandishing a piece of wood, Piedra reacted by stabbing Lopez in the torso and head, according to court filings. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 26 May 2026

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