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

Chris Kavanagh booked Everton’s Carlos Alcaraz in their 1-0 defeat against Leeds United on Monday evening for brandishing an imaginary yellow card after being fouled. —Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

The occupants of two vehicles got into an argument before one of the drivers, Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, brandished a firearm and fired a shot in a random direction, according to Glendale police spokesperson Sgt. —Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Any celebratory simulation of a weapon being brandished will draw an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. —Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News, 20 Aug. 2025

Indeed, these stars almost seem to brandish leaving America right now as a badge of courage and honor. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025