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

Authorities said the inmate had been in custody since April 10, 2024, while awaiting trial on charges of robbery, criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and petty theft. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

That thought is echoed in the album’s cover art, an image of two miniature Finn Wolfhards facing off, donning colonial garb and brandishing weapons. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

One of the teens was later connected to a February instance of brandishing a gun on The Woods Drive, near the site of the San Jose assault. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

That officer then pulled the man from the car, at which point the man brandished a knife. — Topher Sanders, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

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