as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
a pop star brushing past a crowd of autograph seekers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in kissing
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 brushing
Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Aveda’s Brilliant Damage Control is our top heat-shielding pick that also strengthens hair from within (thanks, wheat protein) and prevents breakage caused by brushing, combing, and styling.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Crushing a leaf or brushing against the plants occasionally can help release more of their natural oils, enhancing their effect.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
This includes drinking water, water used for brushing teeth, washing for washing dishes and water for food preparation, officials said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
After her husband’s death and the suspicion that follows, the property lingers on the market, with Ashe brushing it off as too small.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
The clip sparked debate online, though additional footage suggested Jordan may have been brushing ice or liquid off the child following a celebratory dousing.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Moving to the couple's bedroom, the HGTV star can be seen dropping clothes on the floor right in front of the hamper, before brushing her teeth in the bathroom and spitting out water all over the mirror.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Moesenthin said her favorite part was brushing the horses.
—Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Aveda’s Brilliant Damage Control is our top heat-shielding pick that also strengthens hair from within (thanks, wheat protein) and prevents breakage caused by brushing, combing, and styling.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Crushing a leaf or brushing against the plants occasionally can help release more of their natural oils, enhancing their effect.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
This includes drinking water, water used for brushing teeth, washing for washing dishes and water for food preparation, officials said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
After her husband’s death and the suspicion that follows, the property lingers on the market, with Ashe brushing it off as too small.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
The clip sparked debate online, though additional footage suggested Jordan may have been brushing ice or liquid off the child following a celebratory dousing.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Moving to the couple's bedroom, the HGTV star can be seen dropping clothes on the floor right in front of the hamper, before brushing her teeth in the bathroom and spitting out water all over the mirror.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brushing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brushing. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
