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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 brandish After that effort failed, the document said, Roe assaulted one of the officers with one hand while brandishing the pitchfork in the other. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025 The attacker brandished a sharp object and stabbed the victim. —

Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025 The suspect, a 34-year-old San Jose resident, was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats, brandishing a weapon, and committing vandalism and battery. —

Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025 Just past a wall installation of signature Siegelman caps brandished with the stable’s insignia is a mannequin rendering of the brand’s first-ever tracksuit, styled as a replica of the elder Siegelman’s jockey uniform from the 1980s. —

Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brandish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brandish

Verb

The most common ones waved by the flagman are: Green flag: Used to start or restart a race.

— Mark Long, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
The message was scrawled in chalk on the pavement surrounding the park and reflected on the posters demonstrators waved and in the messages from speakers.

— Zoe Sottile, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025