BRANDISH Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'brandish' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brandish are flourish , swing , thrash , and wave . While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," brandish implies threatening or menacing motion. // brandishing a knife

Q: When could 'flourish' be used to replace 'brandish'?

The synonyms flourish and brandish are sometimes interchangeable, but flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement. // flourished the winning lottery ticket

Q: When might 'swing' be a better fit than 'brandish'?

The meanings of swing and brandish largely overlap; however, swing implies regular or uniform movement. // swing the rope back and forth

Q: Where would 'thrash' be a reasonable alternative to 'brandish'?

The words thrash and brandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement. // an infant thrashing his arms about

Q: When can 'wave' be used instead of 'brandish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to brandish , wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion. // waving the flag

brandish

verb

Definition of brandish next

as in to wave

to put into view in a threatening or excited manner She brandished a stick at the dog. brandished a petition signed by hundreds of town residents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word brandish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brandish are flourish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could flourish be used to replace brandish?

The synonyms flourish and brandish are sometimes interchangeable, but flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When might swing be a better fit than brandish?

The meanings of swing and brandish largely overlap; however, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

Where would thrash be a reasonable alternative to brandish?

The words thrash and brandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of brandish?

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

waving the flag

Examples 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 brandish Martin’s motives were unknown but the chief said he’d been seen walking along and near South John Young Parkway brandishing the gun. —

Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2025 The data includes all types of shootings at schools, including pre-planned shootings and other incidents where a gun is fired, brandished, or when a bullet hits school property. —

Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024 According to a news release, Davis exited the truck while brandishing a shotgun and an ax and advanced toward officers, who then fatally shot him. —

Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 20 Dec. 2024 The primary suspect in the Thompson assassination is a young man of great privilege, a tech whiz with a promising future now ended by allegedly brandishing a ghost gun outside a New York hotel and taking Thompson’s life. —

Steven Gaydos, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brandish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish

Verb

Russian President Vladimir Putin smiled and waved to his Chinese counterpart during virtual talks on Tuesday, and some are questioning on social media whether Xi Jinping reciprocated the gesture.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Hicks walked around the Rotunda for several minutes, court documents said, unfurling and waving a flag and talking to and fist-bumping other rioters.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025