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boast

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word boast distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of boast are brag, crow, and vaunt. While all these words mean "to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments," boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride.

boasts of every trivial success
the town boasts one of the best museums in the area

When might brag be a better fit than boast?

The words brag and boast can be used in similar contexts, but brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself.

bragging of their exploits

When is crow a more appropriate choice than boast?

In some situations, the words crow and boast are roughly equivalent. However, crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging.

crowed after winning the championship

How is vaunt related to other words for boast?

Vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag.

vaunted his country's military might

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 boast
Verb
The fifth will be the first Ariane 64, the rocket's second and most powerful configuration, which boasts four of the solid boosters. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 Classical The anatomy of a human mouth boasts many components, and Roomful of Teeth seems to have mastered all of them. The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
That’s a plausible boast, given that Bronner’s sells about 2 million ornaments each year, plus Nativity scenes, trees, stockings, Bibles, and more, from a seven-acre building that includes more than two acres of retail space. David Mamet, National Review, 21 Nov. 2024 The same Washington that seeks to control tech infrastructures is also the nation’s largest employer and boasts of being the largest purchaser of goods and services on Earth. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for boast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • One of them recently bragged about sabotaging previous iterations of the ceasefire proposals.
    Mike Brest, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Now, some of her biggest adversaries brag about their conservation.
    Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Eaton Fire in the Altadena area was 95% contained at 14,021 acres.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The sunscreens contain photolyase to calm and soothe; niacinamide for brightening and collagen production; squalene for hydration; and lingonberry to ward off blue light damage.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Italy has long been a tourist haven, renowned for its enchanting landscapes, historical treasures, and culinary delights.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Sift through treasures and trinkets Porcelain figurines, vintage Christmas decorations and old records occupy neighboring storefronts along Rue St. Paul, in the antiques district.
    Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • She’s currently being held without bail at the Lawrence County Jail.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
  • While there are no ongoing talks, Maharlika would be interested to acquire shares held by China’s State Grid in the Philippine grid operator should the mainland company decide to sell, Consing said.
    Ian Sayson, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This Mediterranean jewel—shaped by ancient mythology and the birthplace of democracy—is counted among the top destinations to visit in the world for countless reasons, from its complex history and distinct culture to its natural beauty and traditional fresh cuisine.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Now, a Monday memo from the NIH’s acting director has provided some clarity amidst the uncertainty: The NIH, the crown jewel of American scientific research, would continue to perform its primary functions, including clinical trials and life-saving medical research.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But the three fights in the first seven minutes shouldn’t have been the highlight of Minnesota’s night.
    Joe Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Hotel La Misión Loreto Hotel La Misión Loreto is perched along Loreto's oceanfront malecón promenade, its sweeping views from spacious balconies the highlight of a stay.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Notable among the acting nominees is Abou Sangare, nominated for Male Breakout Performance in Souleymane’s Story, who took home the best actor honor at last year’s European Film Awards.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
  • She will be presented with the honor on Saturday (Feb. 1) at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre ahead of the 2025 Grammy Awards the following day.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His pin in the final match against Mahomet-Seymour in the Class 2A team dual quarterfinal helped pave the way for a fourth-place finish and the Crusaders’ first state trophy in program history.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Following the trophy ceremony to celebrate the road to the Super Bowl, Travis embraced Swift on the field and shared a sweet moment to cap off the exciting game.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near boast

Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on boast

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