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 For years, Israel did not officially broach the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially in recent years as the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on. CBS News, 28 June 2026 Lives are on the line, yet even broaching the subject now comes with its own unique challenges. Michael Stevens, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 The Vikings and O’Neill’s representatives broached the subject of an extension at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 9 June 2026 Alejo has no interest in broaching the subject of lifestyle changes at this meeting. Megan Greenwell, Bloomberg, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
Verb
  • The prosecution said the collusion was not a standalone incident but a long-standing, systemic practice that surfaced during a time of global crisis.
    Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • In practice, that means AI is running the numbers, populating forms, surfacing options, and even suggesting installation dates.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • As for interrupting the flow of play, Arena says the three-minute hydration breaks FIFA has introduced each half — ostensibly for player welfare, but in practice to give the TV networks additional commercial breaks — have been more disruptive.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • As the match went on, realising that his team had the upper hand in possession, Solbakken introduced technical wingers from the bench in Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup to better dictate the flow of play.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Having one copy of the APOE4 variant may double or triple the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while having two copies may raise risk by tenfold or more.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The Digital Realty proposal is the first project vying to get an exemption from Atlanta’s ban, raising questions about balancing urban land use and digital infrastructure.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The official was granted anonymity to discuss the administration’s strategy ahead of al-Zaidi’s visit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Not luxury placed on top of the land, but abundance already present in it.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Several supporters of the cause called for the issue to be placed on the Board of Regents’ agenda for their next meeting in September.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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