flourish 1 of 2

flourish

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flourish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flourish are brandish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When is it sensible to use brandish instead of flourish?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could swing be used to replace flourish?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When might thrash be a better fit than flourish?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of flourish?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish, wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

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 flourish
Verb
Soldiers from the Old Guard, wearing tricorne hats and bright-red uniforms, marched past, amid a flourish of fifes and drums. Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fought to offer Trump a second state visit starting Wednesday — an unprecedented flourish meant to bolster Starmer’s authority and flatter the American leader at a crucial moment for the United Kingdom and its allies. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
That insulation from presidential control is what has allowed America’s markets and economy to flourish, her lawyers argued. Ella Lee, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025 The Power of Good Love Since the accidental confession, the couple has moved in together and their relationship has flourished. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flourish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish
Verb
  • Sunderland’s answer to Forrest Gump; covers every blade and allows Xhaka to thrive.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Because when artists thrive, culture thrives.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The independent studio is likely banking on Chalamet’s star power and a holiday release date to deliver the kind of box office results that show its newfound investment in blockbuster filmmaking is succeeding.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Whether any of those challenges succeed would need to be determined by courts.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These religious leaders are confronting a wave of violence.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The hourglass shape, florals, lingerie references, ruffles in tiers, lace.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The photos showed himself in a blue suit and white shirt, while Everly — whom Tatum shares with his ex-wife Jenna Dewan — rocked a blue satin dress featuring lots of ruffles.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire after the 2025-26 season, and the two sides ratified a new four-year deal in June, more than a year ahead of the expiration, as both sides are prospering.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand Hershey wasn’t the only company to prosper during World War II.
    Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For YouTube, the loss could be written off with a shoulder shrug.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brooches These beautiful pins, frequently adorned with sparkling rhinestones, intricate enameling, or delicate filigree, were a staple in our grandmothers' jewelry boxes.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
  • There are a few digital filigrees and subtones added by the experimental pop wizard A. G. Cook.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Slowing down and speeding up Daisy arrived in his life through his ex-wife, who was moving to a new place that was dubious about pets.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The agency separately released recommended shipping dates for customers who want their packages to arrive by Christmas Day.
    Michelle Del Rey, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flourish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourish. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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