brush (off) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of brush (off)next
as in to shrug off

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brush-off

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrəsh-ˌȯf How to pronounce brush-off (audio)
as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly the mayor tends to give anyone under voting age the brush-off

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 (off)
Noun
The comment has done little to settle the debate, with fans remaining divided on whether to take her denial seriously or read it as a playful brush-off. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026 But his subtle brush-off of Collins is a sign of the cocky and brash kid already beginning to emerge — the same one who could cut down people down to size on his way to redefining himself and jolting both the New York folk scene and the world of pop at large. — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025 That brush-off on top of Chris somehow edging her out of the Olympic team so that Tunde wound up as an alternate was too much not to go nuclear. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 Some interpreted the moment as a blatant brush-off; however, others pointed out that Brigitte, 72, could simply have been focused on keeping her balance on the airplane steps or preparing herself to greet the Prince and Princess of Wales. — Meredith Kile, People.com, 8 July 2025 But our findings suggest that the mere inclusion of abbreviations, although seemingly benign, start feeling like a brush-off. — David Fang, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025 Alumi-Blast is an apt name for this low sheen coating that looks realistically like cast aluminum that has received a light brush-off abrasive blast at the factory. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 26 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brush (off)
  1. shrug off
  2. dismissal
  3. reject
  4. rebuff
  5. dismiss
  6. rejection
  7. scorn
  8. snub
Verb
  • After the Dream's narrow 82-81 win, Reese shrugged off the controversy when asked about the wager.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • The economy has so far shrugged off the turmoil as AI demand powers electronics exports.
    — Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of shrug off
Noun
  • The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) explored the candidacy of various coaches in the wake of McCullum’s dismissal from the red-ball role.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Suda filed suit for wrongful dismissal, and the museum countersued her for theft; the conflict is set to be resolved via arbitration, at a judge’s order, later this year.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026
Definition of dismissal
Verb
  • After spending months negotiating a pricey purchase of the private fuel yard that keeps PortMiami ships running, two top deputies to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava were shocked when their boss abruptly rejected the deal.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
  • Concerns Government staff forwarded a recommendation from the Landmarks Commission to reject the request.
    — Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of reject
Noun
  • Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The latest rebuff of state overreach was the dismissal last week of the highly questionable felony case against respected Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly brought by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of rebuff
Verb
  • China refused to participate in the arbitration and has not fully complied with the ruling, causing some commentators to dismiss the significance of the case.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Beth Arbuckle and Wells Fargo agreed to dismiss the December 2024 case filed in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to a joint stipulation filed Friday.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • The unprecedented proposal, aimed at accelerating investment, faced swift and broad opposition from major confederations like UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, transforming it into a near-global rejection.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned under the enclaves’ special border-rejection regime.
    — Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 31 July 2026
Definition of rejection
Verb
  • Police quickly connected them to his ex-fiancée and began investigating her, with a media narrative painting her as a woman scorned and willing to do anything to ruin his life.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026
  • The season ended with Beth and Rip’s adopted son Carter (Finn Little) being abducted by the family that Beulah scorned when going into business with the infamous Beth Dutton.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026
Definition of scorn
Noun
  • Meanwhile, franchise pitching legend Dave Stieb has reignited a decades-old debate, asserting that his Hall of Fame snub and lack of Cy Young awards stem from playing in Canada.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The snub for entry-level models could discourage those looking forward to this program after Apple’s recent price hikes, which raised the prices of the MacBook Neo and the entry-level iPad by $100.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of snub

Browse Nearby Words

brushing (off)
brush (off)
brush-off
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Cite this Entry

“Brush (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brush%20%28off%29. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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