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

Joseph Henrichsen now faces additional charges of assaulting a federal employee with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer, the release said. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 31 July 2026

The 911 call placed from the teenager’s phone last week reported a young person who may be brandishing a gun in an Austin, Texas, parking lot. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

In another heated dispute at a Costco in British Columbia, a woman brandished a machete. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 July 2026

As baseball braces for a potentially lengthy lockout after the 2026 season, the Players’ Association has brandished the record-setting price as an example of how committed spending can drive franchise values. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!