brush 1 of 3

Definition of brushnext
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the two advance parties had a brush, but no one was wounded

Synonyms & Similar Words

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brush

2 of 3

verb (1)

brush

3 of 3

verb (2)

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 brush
Noun
Osi approached the graves with enthusiasm, moving quickly back and forth through the area before honing in on a spot in the brush. Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026 Typical choices for novelists are notebooks, pens, and laptops, while conservators use brushes, scalpels, and fine sandpaper. Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
Steamed florets are smashed flat, brushed with oil, and showered with a ranch seasoning packet, then roasted until the edges turn deeply golden and crackly. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026 Have the kids brush the glue onto the eggs, then roll them in the glitter or sequins, shaking off the excess. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brush
encounter
Noun
  • The revelation marks a new development in the dispute between ICE and Fairfax County, which have laid out dueling accounts explaining their previous encounters with Abdul Jalloh, a foreign national from West Africa charged with the murder of Virginia mother Stephanie Minter.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • In recent years, Brendon had multiple encounters with law enforcement and publicly battled addiction.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Brush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brush. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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