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 District officials recently broached the possibility of school closures. Scott Huddleston, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Feb. 2026 But since then, Smith has gone back and forth talking about his presidential possibilities on his various platforms and to those who broached him with the question. Terry Collins, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 Jones, who has Parkinson’s disease, has never broached a conversation about whether Foreigner should change its name to better suit its current direction. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026 Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, broached the subject at last month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) . Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
Verb
  • When reports surfaced that Texas Tech University might be trying to court Texas star catcher Reese Atwood in the weeks after the Longhorns' national-title win, the Statesman tried to fact-check some of the allegations.
    Sports Editor, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
  • In the past month, community reports began to surface online of immigration agents detaining and arresting people in the Kansas City metro.
    Kendrick Calfee Updated February 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Lanson Place answered the call in 2005 as one of Hong Kong’s first boutique hotels, introducing a more intimate, residential-style approach to luxury.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • All four companies have taken steps to improve safety, including by introducing parental controls tools, adding privacy settings for young users, increasing content restrictions and offering options to limit notifications or time spent scrolling.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Charlotte raised upward of $3 million for roster construction, program and facility upgrades in December, and will have more than double last season’s amount for the 2026 football team, per a source.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
  • But should the polls in the late spring still resemble those from mid-winter, powerful Democrats may pressure some of the candidates who have struggled to raise money or secure much support in the polls to drop out.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The announcement was made at the Air and Space Forces Association Air Warfare Symposium, where defense leaders gathered to discuss next-generation airpower.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Drewenski’s first act as mayor was to appoint an acting clerk, following a process of seeking and interviewing applicants from the public that was discussed at the previous City Council meeting.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • About 70% of the fire survivors in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas are unable to move back into their homes, leaving them paying high rents on temporary housing for more than a year, which has tapped out their savings and placed about half into serious debt.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • They were placed mid-orchestra, behind the violas and bravely in front of the timpani.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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