BRUSHES Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

brushes 1 of 3

noun

plural of brush

as in encounters

a brief clash between enemies or rivals the two advance parties had a brush, but no one was wounded

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brushes

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of brush

as in flows

to move or proceed smoothly and readily a pop star brushing past a crowd of autograph seekers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brushes

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of brush

as in kisses

to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing spiderwebs brushed her cheek as she walked through the basement

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 brushes

Noun

Garbage bags, like paint brushes, are not food grade material. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 In other words, high-quality brushes are an investment built to last. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026 What was once a simple shelf of shampoo and brushes now reads more like a beauty counter. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026 All around the studio are things Wesselmann touched, not only his artworks but his brushes and paint tubes and even a pair of gloves (handily labeled TR and TL, for Tom right hand and Tom left hand). — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 The 27 makeup brushes, hot tools, and hair accessories that have won this year’s Allure Best of Beauty Awards in our Tools category are the kind of hard workers that simplify, streamline, and optimize your routine. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026 Can’t stay away from those hair dryers, thermal brushes, and straighteners? — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 When drawing, De Kooning loved to use liner and sword brushes, which are favored by sign painters. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026 Its PreciSense LiDAR navigation quickly maps your layout to create efficient cleaning routes, while its dual anti-tangle system keeps pet hair and fibers from jamming the brushes. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

Lavrov brushes off German diplomat Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was dismissive after the meeting in New York, which was held at German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s request. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 Vicki brushes it off, and even Shannon can’t defend her friend’s callousness. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 Fertitta brushes off the scuffle between his president and Meloni. — CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 During a penumbral eclipse, the moon merely brushes this outer zone and often appears only subtly dimmed. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Flagrantly practicing an especially ribald strain of cringe comedy that brushes several third rails, often simultaneously, the show could have been a disastrous gambit. — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Soon after Sally brushes off the comments, her daughters are introduced. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 Johnson brushes off the skirmishes, broadly speaking, as part of the governing process. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Bryce Harper, star slugger, the Phillie Phanatic's best friend, and baseball hero to children of all ages, brushes his teeth. — CBS News, 28 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brushes

Noun

In particular, look out for chance encounters around October 6 and 24.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
According to Fish and Wildlife, black bear encounters resulting in human injury are rare in California.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of encounters

Verb

The beavers can't talk, and the trees can't see, and the river only flows in one direction.

— Corey Seymour, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
While oil flows from the Middle East have risen and now top 75% of pre-war volumes, crude prices will take longer to fall, according to Gregory Brew, an energy analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of flows

Verb

Like many of the best rooms in New York, the Lillie Langtry Room at Keens Steakhouse on Thursday night was glowing amber with candlelight—and overflowing with martinis, cheek kisses, and conversation.

— Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Generations of new pop starlets have referenced her most iconic looks on the red carpet, or paid homage to her infamous Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera kisses on stage.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of kisses

Verb

Its nonslip handle has an ergonomic shape to get a comfortable grip, and the blade glides smoothly to peel away the skin without removing the best parts of the fruit underneath it.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026
Ma wanted to call me Lili, music that glides off the back of your teeth.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of glides

Verb

Seabourn sails the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture and twin Seabourn Pursuit, two lavish all-suite polar-class expedition ships cruising remote itineraries, each with two submarines.

— Janice Wald Henderson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Some of my favorites are coming back too, like El Pulpo Magnifico, Duane Flatmo's fire-breathing octopus, and the Monaco, a 40-foot ship with three masts that sails across dust instead of water.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of sails

Verb

Today, software touches nearly every aspect and dimension of the vehicle, from battery management to infotainment, braking, cybersecurity and advanced driver assistance.

— Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Collectively, the tech and sports exits could save around £17M, which barely touches the sides of overall savings required.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of touches

Verb

And as the story drifts to Miami, London, New York, and back to Kingston again, it’s held together by James’ passion for the era’s pop culture and his characters’ will to survive in the face of hatred.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
All parents struggle in some way to adjust to life as empty nesters, but Charlie leaves his mom and dad in a somber, reflective state that casts a heavy pall over an episode that drifts toward the turgid.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of drifts

Cite this Entry

Style

“Brushes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brushes. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of brushes

noun

verb (1)

verb (2)

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