brandish

Definition of brandishnext

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

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 According to several social media posts on X, someone reportedly brandishing a machete was allegedly shot by an officer or officers. Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026 There were 22 brandished at the 1998 World Cup and 17 in the 2002 World Cup. George Edwards, New York Times, 21 June 2026 According to police, Ford brandished a gun and attempted to grab the watch while meeting Gragg's son on the front porch. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 While detailing the facts of the case on Tuesday, Tellman told the judge that Lawhead knocked at the door, brandished a gun and ordered her to leave the home with him. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for brandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish
Verb
  • As recently as May, Tesla’s X account posted an ad showing drivers with their hands off the wheel, goofing off while waving their fingers in the air or sipping a hot coffee from a ceramic mug with two hands.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • Argentina fans celebrated in the concourse of AT&T Stadium with roaring chants, flag waving and dancing.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Brown passed away from coronary heart disease at his Newport News, Virginia, home on June 17, his family announced on June 26 via his Facebook page.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • The invasive golden mussel has now been confirmed in the Port of West Sacramento, marking the species' northernmost detection in California since it was first discovered in Stockton in 2024, wildlife officials announced Saturday.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • During an earnings call in May, Chief Executive Brian Chesky said AI now writes nearly 60% of new code, produced by the company’s engineers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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