thrash

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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 There were only two upsets this week, with Indiana thrashing Illinois 63-10 and Texas Tech knocking off Utah 34-10. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2025 Mamdani, a democratic socialist and registered Democrat, thrashed the party establishment in New York City’s mayoral primary with his verve and his fierce commitment to making housing cheaper and childcare free. Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 The person may also produce a lot of saliva and appear agitated, thrashing arms and legs. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 The video showed that during the second time, the dog latched onto Evans’ left forearm and violently thrashed as Evans cried out in pain. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
Verb
  • In the end, Kate convinces the prime minister to bury both the sub and the Poseidon in concrete on the ocean floor, instead of it getting taken away.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • To detect these elusive particles, scientists are working to build enormous instruments (neutrino observatories) in the quietest environments possible, such as deep underwater or buried in ice.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The question was whether new coach Marco Sturm was going to be able to whip this team into the hard-to-play-against, defensively sound unit they were designed to be.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Harrison's head whipped back and slammed into the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some even licked the candy to soften it -- a trick used by contestants in the show.
    Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Napkins were crumpled; plates were licked.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Randy Johnson tossed the ceremonial first pitch on Wednesday.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Justice Department has also argued to the justices for the current Gingles framework be tossed.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sandy Baltimore beat opponent Maelle Garbino to almost every loose ball, presenting a constant threat on the left.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Furthermore, big banks — bellwethers for economic activity — such as JPMorgan Chase, Citi and Goldman Sachs, beat earnings expectations, suggesting that fundamentals are still sound.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There’s no attempt to hide the staging, although the accompanying musicians are mostly unseen.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In December 1978, Gacy confessed to kidnapping, raping and murdering dozens of boys and men, some as young as 14 years old, and hiding many of their bodies in a crawl space under the house.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a post-draft interview on the Bills’ flagship radio station WGR 550-AM, Beane lashed out at the hosts for criticizing his lack of attention to wide receiver throughout the offseason.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Andy lashed the feet tightly and then grabbed the loose end of the rope.
    Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her hand twitched from the heat.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Any dairy farmer can tell you that biting flies are a pestilent scourge for cattle herds, which is why one so often sees cows throwing their heads, stamping their feet, flicking their tails, and twitching their skin—desperately trying to shake off the nasty creatures.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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