thrash

verb

ˈthrash How to pronounce thrash (audio)
Definition of thrashnext
1
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

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2
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
3
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly the tree branches thrashed the sides of the house as the storm continued to rage

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4
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

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 thrash In December, Como defeated Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, and Premier League winner Ranieri addressed his upcoming challenge immediately after his side thrashed Monza on Monday. — David Ferrini, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 This was the same Lille team who had beaten Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and thrashed Feyenoord 6-1 en route to securing direct qualification for the Champions League last 16. — Tom Williams, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 Parents can: Ensure safety by removing any nearby objects that could cause injury, as children may thrash around. — Arielle Tschinkel, Parents, 12 Feb. 2025 An atmospheric storm system remained on track to reach the Bay Area on Wednesday night and thrash the region into Thursday. — Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
  1. bury
  2. whip
  3. lick
  4. toss
  5. beat
  6. hide
  7. lash
  8. twitch
Verb
  • Gaza’s health ministry said the toll was likely to rise with many people buried under rubble.
    — Abeer Salman, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Scattered across a chain of subtropical islands in southwestern Japan, buried under rocks, or deep within the region’s humid soil, researchers discovered seven new species with segmented bodies and dozens of slender legs.
    — Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of bury
Verb
  • The moment was so precious that Reed whipped out her phone to take a quick video and later shared it on TikTok.
    — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Blizzards expected in Northern Plains Forecasters warned that heavy snow whipped by powerful winds are likely to make travel treacherous in parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Being licked by the cows and licking them back is a daily occurrence for her.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Evy was holding an ice cream cone and lowered it so Kinley could lick it.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of lick
Verb
  • The characters are near strangers, tossed together by weird and annoying circumstances.
    — Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Warren, 25, has tossed 11 2/3 innings this spring training, and he's looked excellent each time out.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • Dallas Hobbs beat the buzzer with a three to put Mount St. Mary’s ahead 48-38 at halftime.
    — Jeff Wallner, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Davion Mitchell beat Landry Shamet off the dribble — but Robinson lurking in the paint erased any thought of a layup.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of beat
Verb
  • While Timothy's family didn't think twice about his odd behavior — Victoria laughed and rolled her eyes, Saxon laughed, Lochlan cringed, and Piper hid her face in embarrassment — Isaacs spent a long time thinking about what has led his character to this rock bottom moment.
    — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Of course anyone familiar with Cave, whose directorial debut Fresh established her as a filmmaker to watch, will know that Fred, the town’s ophthalmologist, is certainly hiding a secret.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of hide
Verb
  • So Morris lashed out, sneaking out and breaking into homes, cars, and schools.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025
  • When conflict arises — a toddler might have a tearful tantrum, or an older kid may shout or lash out — a ‘democratic parent’ should be mindful of the fact that there is likely a root cause of the difficult behavior.
    — Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of lash
Verb
  • In the footage, the faceless android is seen suspended from the ceiling, its limbs twitching and moving in an unsettlingly human-like manner.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • For example, dogs who love running might be twitching their paws while dreaming.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of twitch

Phrases Containing thrash

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Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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