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

Emma Mackey’s White Witch opens her eyes, flies in metallic couture, brandishes a sword, and rides wildly through London on a horse while the ’70s rock blares in the background. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Pupils clustered outside the doors of several schools in Paris and other cities in the morning hours, brandishing placards and megaphones and chanting slogans, and marches were planned later in the day. — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026

According to the victim, one suspect pointed a silver handgun at him while the second suspect brandished a knife. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Huston was arrested the following day on allegations related to being a felon in possession of a firearm and brandishing a firearm during the incident, police said. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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