broach

Definition of broachnext
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 McCollough was hesitant, though, to broach the topic with Watts. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 The film takes cannibalism – rarely broached in Malaysian popular cinema – as both literal premise and social metaphor, training its lens on characters pushed to extremes by poverty and ambition. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 After the pair had finally acted on latent feelings for each other and decided to be together, Oona first broached the topic of Ramona leaving for New York and leaving her behind when Ramona pitched it as a not-yet final decision. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 Matar repeatedly broached the fatwa with contacts in messaging apps in 2021 and 2022, according to exhibits shown in court. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
Verb
  • Manifest surfaces Machado’s team soon learned that information about one of the charter flights had circulated outside the group.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, the seabirds have pecked at whales surfacing to breathe, gorging on their skin and blubber.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Over time, Buddhism introduced ideas of reincarnation and karmic retribution, linking a person's fate after death to their actions in life.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Retail and e-commerce companies are increasingly using AI to gather customer data and introduce dynamic or personalized pricing, according to the Bank of England.
    — Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout the year, the company works to raise awareness and funds for Pink Pony through events and activations around the world.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Reserve Bank of Australia has now raised rates four times this year by a total 100 basis points as inflation remains sticky.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Under the memorandum of understanding the two sides signed in June that collapsed within days, Iran's nuclear program was meant to be discussed over a 60-day period.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • During a recent cover story for Vogue Arabia, Lohan discussed having become more vocal throughout her career.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Crab shells, whole and in pieces, turned up all over the school, to be swept away with the dust and fallen leaves and other litter, placed in a trash bag, and carried off behind the buildings to the incinerator.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead of the election, The Star reached out to both candidates to get their stances on Amendment 6, which was placed on the ballot by a campaign called Respect MO Voters.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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