brushing (off)

Definition of brushing (off)next
present participle of brush (off)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brushing (off)
Verb
  • Both gave way to Phoenix’s limitless fourth-quarter responses, shrugging off Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s late shot-making, as well as the Thunder’s late turn to small ball.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
  • And some Republicans are shrugging off any one issue as being influential enough to tip the scales.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Confidence can tip into defensiveness, so your challenge has a lot to do with asserting boundaries without emotional withdrawal and honoring your needs without dismissing others.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The president spoke little about democracy in Venezuela, dismissing a potential role for its longstanding democratic opposition in running the country in the immediate aftermath of the operation.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Two in 5 Gen Zers are pursuing blue-collar work, rejecting the collegiate path and learning trades, according to a May 2025 survey of 1,434 young adults by Resume Builder.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • And the British nations, as ever, remained aloof, England rejecting a late offer to step in for Austria.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Brushing (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brushing%20%28off%29. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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