brushes (off)

verb

present tense third-person singular of brush (off)
as in shrugs off

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brushes (off)
  1. shrugs off
  2. rejects
  3. dismisses
  4. scorns
Verb
  • The team shrugs off criticism that the end result was overbudget and overdue.
    — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Once again, Rodrigo shrugs off concern.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Definition of shrugs off
Verb
  • Craig has blamed Flanagan for a lack of oversight and accountability, allegations that Flanagan rejects.
    — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Hilton rejects the argument floated by some of his former colleagues that his scruples became a casualty of his ambition.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of rejects
Verb
  • Democratic lawmakers demand investigations and an oversight visit, alleging dangerous conditions and poor treatment aboard the Lincoln, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismisses the reports as exaggerated and misrepresented.
    — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismisses
Verb
  • At a raucous commission meeting Tuesday, City Manager Rickelle Williams faced a storm of withering accusations in her initial job evaluation — mostly from Mayor Dean Trantalis, who eagerly supported hiring Williams last year but now scorns her in public.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • In character as a free spirit who scorns social convention, Davis is all haughty tosses of the head and sneering lines.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of scorns
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.

Browse Nearby Words

brushes (aside or off)
brushes (off)
brush fire
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Cite this Entry

“Brushes (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brushes%20%28off%29. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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