as in waving
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
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Recent Examples of brandishing
The deputy was seen on video struggling through makeshift barricades of mattresses and furniture before confronting Camacho, who was holding the boy in a chokehold with one hand while brandishing a knife in the other.
—
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
The suspects allegedly stole an electric bike from a food delivery driver after brandishing a weapon.
—Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
The man said Sipple appeared during the altercation and became involved, brandishing a firearm, according to the affidavit.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
More notable, however, is a four-minute sequence in which the film turns into an actual first-person shooter, and Reaper runs through corridors brandishing guns, grenades, and, of course, the franchise's iconic chainsaw to exterminate some unwanted pests.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Together, the statements gave the impression Martinez had been brandishing her firearm when she was shot.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Ace holds center stage, knees bent, slung low to the ground, brandishing his Gibson while Gene and Paul preen on either side of him.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Still, to this day, people come up to me brandishing letters that my mother once wrote to them.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
After hearing noises, the couple barrelled up into the living room, naked, with Rhys brandishing a poker from the fireplace.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
The suspects allegedly stole an electric bike from a food delivery driver after brandishing a weapon.
—Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
The man said Sipple appeared during the altercation and became involved, brandishing a firearm, according to the affidavit.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
More notable, however, is a four-minute sequence in which the film turns into an actual first-person shooter, and Reaper runs through corridors brandishing guns, grenades, and, of course, the franchise's iconic chainsaw to exterminate some unwanted pests.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Together, the statements gave the impression Martinez had been brandishing her firearm when she was shot.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Ace holds center stage, knees bent, slung low to the ground, brandishing his Gibson while Gene and Paul preen on either side of him.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Still, to this day, people come up to me brandishing letters that my mother once wrote to them.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
After hearing noises, the couple barrelled up into the living room, naked, with Rhys brandishing a poker from the fireplace.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandishing
Verb
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In the picture, the famous momager posed with a red rose in her mouth and flashed a diamond bracelet while waving to the camera.—
Michael Nied,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
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In front of the Idaho State Capitol steps on Saturday morning, the street was lined with people waving American flags as historic military vehicles and military personnel both current and former made their way through downtown.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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After announcing their engagement in April 2023, Brown and Bongiovi tied the knot in May 2024.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
A day after announcing its Q3 numbers, Solera published Cunha’s undated offer letter.—
Justin Wingerter,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brandishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brandishing. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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