BRANDISHING Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

brandishing

verb

present participle of brandish

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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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 brandishing The general call to arms is also being reiterated on state television, with several channels broadcasting their hosts brandishing assault rifles. —

Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 In photographs taken at the festival, he can be seen brandishing a copy of his most recent album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, as well as Yoko Ono’s book, Grapefruit. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026 There’s the flag-wielding Porsche Muffler Man in Carson (who previously served in the same spot as a club-brandishing Golf Man). —

Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 Die große Nacht im Eimer (The Big Night Down the Drain), made that year, depicts a figure of indiscernible age with a cadaverous pallor and yellow splotches, brandishing an oversized phallus beneath a soot-black veil. —

Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Officers in tactical gear with long guns jumped over tables, brandishing their weapons as the president and other dignitaries, such as Vice President JD Vance, were rushed from the stage. —

Luke Barr, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 Officials have yet to disclose whether the individual was brandishing the knife at the time of the shooting. —

Nick Lentz, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 Investigators did not know why the suspect went to Lake Forest after allegedly brandishing the weapon in Rancho Mission Viejo, McCann said. —

Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 The troops climbed a rope ladder to a door in the hull and jumped through, brandishing rifles. —

Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandishing

Verb

This year, soca star Voice — who had Carnival crowds jumping and waving throughout the 2026 circuit — will make his festival debut.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
In an interview with the Observer, Page acknowledged that the department’s initial claim that Manigault came into the store waving a gun was not correct.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026