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

The altercation and shooting was captured in multiple videos and showed Pretti never brandished his gun and didn’t assault any officer. —Michael Biesecker, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026

Videos show Pretti did not appear to brandish a weapon at the moment he was shot, intensifying scrutiny of law enforcement tactics on the ground and of statements from federal officials discouraging protesters from carrying guns. —Karen Brooks Harper, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026

One of the suspects allegedly brandished a knife when confronted by a 26-year-old loss prevention officer. —Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Jan. 2026

Police said in the second instance, Husien and Macias brandished a knife at a clerk and threatened to shoot him. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026

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