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
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Officers in tactical gear with long guns jumped over tables, brandishing their weapons as the president and other dignitaries, such as Vice President JD Vance, were rushed from the stage.
—
Luke Barr, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Investigators did not know why the suspect went to Lake Forest after allegedly brandishing the weapon in Rancho Mission Viejo, McCann said.
—Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Fast forward five minutes, and our waiter brandished a new bottle ready for pouring, leaving us stuffed and happy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
An arrest warrant is out for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer accused of brandishing a gun at two people on a highway during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, prosecutors said Thursday.
—Sophie Brams, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brandish
Luke Barr, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Investigators did not know why the suspect went to Lake Forest after allegedly brandishing the weapon in Rancho Mission Viejo, McCann said.
—Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Fast forward five minutes, and our waiter brandished a new bottle ready for pouring, leaving us stuffed and happy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
An arrest warrant is out for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer accused of brandishing a gun at two people on a highway during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, prosecutors said Thursday.
—Sophie Brams, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
Verb
-
Such a nightmare, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse waved the white flag and pulled most of his starting lineup with several minutes remaining in the third quarter.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
-
On election night, thousands celebrated in the streets, waving flags and blasting music written by Orbán’s outspoken critics.—
Alexandra Levy,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
This year’s game also comes after the Bruins in February announced that the iconic Pasadena stadium would remain their home, at least this year, amid ongoing litigation over the university’s right to potentially break its lease and play home games at SoFi Stadium.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
Purchasing restrictions have been announced, and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has released medical gloves stockpiled for use in a pandemic to alleviate sourcing problems.—
Wendy Cutler,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
On the bright side, the Eta Aquarid's are known to produce the occasional fireball, which could easily pierce the veil of moonlight cast by the lunar disk.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
-
Westin also produced an RBI single, while Augustana recruit JT Iles came through with a two-run double for the Thunderbolts (9-11), who with the win retained the Zabrocki Cup — the traveling trophy for the rivalry.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
