FLOURISH Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

flourish 1 of 2

verb

ˈflər-ish

Definition of flourish next

as in to thrive

to grow vigorously that plant flourishes in cool, wet weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to succeed

to reach a desired level of accomplishment the arts program flourished once it received adequate funding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flourish

2 of 2

noun

as in wave

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in ruffle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 flourish

Verb

Perennials that are flourishing in your garden can remain tall. —

Macie Stump, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024 But in the past few years, Chili’s has flourished while Applebee’s has struggled. —

Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

The final flourish saw Nadal speaking on court and a video playing with testimonies from tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, as well as Spanish sporting luminaries such as football stars Raul and Andres Iniesta, and the golfer Sergio Garcia. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 When Annie gave birth to a daughter with surprisingly fair hair, the extended family on both sides took it in stride as one of life’s flourishes of fate, a reminder of the mysteries of biology. —

Julia Whelan Krish Seenivasan Lance Neal, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flourish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish

Verb

Organizations that successfully integrate these AI solutions while maintaining their focus on employee experience and workplace culture will be best positioned to thrive in this new era of HR technology.

Bernard Marr, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The statement-making material uses larger segments of colorful Italian marble, allowing for natural shapes and textures to thrive.

Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024