as in waves
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
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 brandishes
The actor playing Brown wears a red hooded sweatshirt and brandishes a pocket knife similar to the one police say Brown used to fatally stab Zarutska.
—
Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
When a trompo taco is ordered, a cook brandishes a knife of ferocious sharpness, shaving a thin, broad piece large enough to overhang the corn tortilla it’s laid upon.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
When a trompo taco is ordered, a cook brandishes a knife of ferocious sharpness, shaving a thin, broad piece large enough to overhang the corn tortilla it’s laid upon.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandishes
Verb
-
In Los Angeles, Justin Bieber takes the court for some basketball, a pregnant Cardi B waves her arms and Glen Powell and Peyton Manning are all smiles at the Chad Powers premiere.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
-
After the Hunt star Andrew Garfield waves to attendees of the red carpet premiere of the film in Venice on Friday.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
During Christmas dinner, Martha (72) announces her separation after discovering her husband’s affair with her best friend, upending the holiday as her children and their partners confront their own romantic issues.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Overcome with fury, the King announces his plan to slaughter anyone who was complicit, including his own grandmother.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Daniel's advertises a Summer Concert Series on its website but says the events were moved indoors to comply with the town's noise ordinance.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The company advertises several customizations and flavors, which include Blueberry Breeze and Golden Hour.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Rivian produces adventure-ready electric vehicles with high power outputs and exceptional ground clearance.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Falchuk executive produces the Netflix series alongside Mikkel Bondesen, David Goldberg and showrunner David Friedman.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brandishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandishes. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share