THRASH Synonyms: 222 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

thrash

verb

ˈthrash

Definition of thrash next

as in to bury

to defeat by a large margin the incumbent has been thrashing his opponents for so long that there's never any real contest for the Senate seat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to whip

to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible thrashed the poor horse with a riding crop

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to lick

to strike repeatedly the tree branches thrashed the sides of the house as the storm continued to rage

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to toss

to make jerky or restless movements in obvious pain, the wounded soldier thrashed about his cot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 thrash Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins' teams thrashed their respective opponents in less than 72 hours. —

Tim Ellis, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Sam Darnold threw five touchdown passes and over 300 yards to thrash the Falcons, 42-21, to move the Vikings to 11-2 on the season. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024 That might explain why the Portland-via-Fort Lauderdale post-hardcore band performs with such extemporaneous vigor on Deep Sage, thrashing and flailing in a release of anger that trades blind rage for determined revenge. —

Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024 Your limbs, or even your entire upper body, may jerk or thrash in the process. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thrash

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash

Verb

In that case, the most prudent thing to do might be to dig a hole in the ground and bury your money there.

Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Too often, any follow-up stories are buried along with the victims.

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Dec. 2024