broach

1
as in to surface
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below the immense whales broaching was a magnificent sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broach distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of broach are air, express, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

When might air be a better fit than broach?

Although the words air and broach have much in common, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When could express be used to replace broach?

The words express and broach can be used in similar contexts, but express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When can utter be used instead of broach?

In some situations, the words utter and broach are roughly equivalent. However, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When would vent be a good substitute for broach?

The synonyms vent and broach are sometimes interchangeable, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When is it sensible to use voice instead of broach?

While in some cases nearly identical to broach, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 broach According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers' brain trust never broached the subject of a position change with Betts during Monday's meeting. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 The heads of some of the world’s leading film fetes gathered Tuesday at the Sarajevo Film Festival to discuss the role of festivals, broaching topical issues such as audience development and how growing political tension is affecting both curatorial and strategic decisions. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025 The concept was first broached in 2007, when city officials suggested building a 500-space garage on a portion of the library’s existing 130-space surface lot on Jefferson Avenue between Eagle and Webster streets. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 Later in the conversation, when Anderson broaches DiCaprio’s actual age, the actor compares turning 50 to turning 35. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
Verb
  • Hints of Kate’s hair transformation first surfaced in Scotland in late August, and her visit to London’s Natural History Museum on Thursday confirmed the change.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The lens surface gradually transitions in prescription strength, with no lines bifurcating your vision.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Russia's federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsiya, also introduced temporary flight restrictions at the airport in the early hours of Tuesday.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Getty Images In the 1983 movie WarGames, which starred Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy, much of the American public was introduced to the various levels of Defcon.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The deal, brokered after a standoff between state and county officials resulting from a disagreement over whether to raise assessments this year, means homeowners will see a nearly 7% increase above their 2024 property valuation.
    Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Bundy family said information about the object removed from Ryan Bundy’s arm could raise more questions in the incident.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The gathering, billed as a briefing rather than a fullblown hearing, included a slate of experts in science, defense and technology who discussed with members of Congress how understanding the unexplained phenomena could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Highmark would not discuss L’s case in any detail, citing patient privacy.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Previously, the airline placed fewer conditions on its refund policy.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Traders currently place the odds of a 25 basis-point cut at 98 percent, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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