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 He was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest, trespassing and being too intoxicated to care for himself in public, police said. Jose Fabian, CBS News, 15 June 2026 Vallejo then brandished a bottle at the victim and threatened to kill her, before removing her clothes and raping her, officials said. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 The video showed a man wearing purple gloves and brandishing a knife while arguing with another man and woman. Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 In the 2022 World Cup, across a total of 64 matches, only four red cards were brandished. Ben Church, CNN Money, 12 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
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, according to a report published Saturday.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • Pakistan has operated as a major mediator in US-Iran talks since a ceasefire was first announced.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Under the island’s current economic model, the government largely determines what is produced, who produces it, the prices at which goods are sold and how the country’s resources are allocated.
    Andrea Rodríguez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandish. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on brandish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster