thrash

1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word thrash distinct from other similar verbs?

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

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can brandish be used instead of thrash?

While the synonyms brandish and thrash are close in meaning, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When would flourish be a good substitute for thrash?

The words flourish and thrash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When might swing be a better fit than thrash?

Although the words swing and thrash have much in common, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

Where would wave be a reasonable alternative to thrash?

In some situations, the words wave and thrash are roughly equivalent. However, 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 thrash Key Takeaways Night terrors are episodes of screaming, crying, or thrashing that usually occur two to three hours after falling asleep during a stage known as non-rapid eye movement or deep sleep. David Metzger, Parents, 3 Apr. 2025 The Wolves have repeatedly thrashed the likes of Denver and Phoenix this season, and looked like title contenders in the process. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025 Luka Dončić continued his excellent run, recording 39 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers thrashed the Houston Rockets 140-109 to clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025 If that 2-1 defeat was a shock to the system, Tuesday brought full-fledged electrocution as Arsenal thrashed Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of a quarter-final to leave their hopes of back-to-back Champions League titles dangling by a thread. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
Verb
  • Cause of death: There are several causes of death because Ulric receives the nine lives of a cat: shot in the head, drowned, hanged, car crash, electrocuted, crossbow, stabbed, suffocated after burying himself alive. Sad or satisfying?
    Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • She was buried at what is now the park’s eastern end.
    Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Caballero looked on the verge of tears as the Ivorian whipped the ball into the corner, a heroic performance from a back-up goalkeeper who’d played in every previous round to repay manager Manuel Pellegrini’s faith.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Made with 92 percent natural ingredients, the gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is whipped with tea tree and peppermint oils, which help create a healthy pH balance on the scalp and smell like a spa.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Fundraising craters, and both tech and blockchain are left licking their wounds.
    Tomer Warschauer Nuni, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
  • To stop their younger golden retriever Cooper from licking his ears, Tucker had a medical cone.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But, during his walk to first, Williams tossed his bat aside and nodded his head.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025
  • Hussain was later found shot in the back of the head, his body tossed over a guardrail.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Winter Park beat Miami Southwest to win the FHSAA Class 3A boys volleyball state championship and become the first program in the sport to win three titles in a span of four seasons.
    Bill Kemp, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • Mater Dei rallied to beat Peninsula 20-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-19 in Division 2.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Lastly, clean up any rotting wood or loose leaves from your property to give these ants fewer places to hide.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
  • The boy hides aloft in the Sycamore Gap tree's branches.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • As judges have ruled against the Trump administration, the president and his allies have lashed out in response, suggesting judges should not be allowed to constrain Trump's presidential actions and calling for judges to be impeached.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • But Zaharias retired the side in order in the top of the seventh, then lashed his game-winning two-bagger in the bottom of the inning, driving home pinch-runner JT Anderson and Ryder Kelly, who reached base on an error.
    Mike Lefkow, Mercury News, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Riley Robinson/Staff A wind blows down the border, twitching pale dry grass.
    Riley Robinson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025
  • If their tail starts twitching or their ears are flattened, then they may be overstimulated, which can lead to aggression.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thrash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!