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boast

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word boast distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of boast are brag, crow, and vaunt. While all these words mean "to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments," boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride.

boasts of every trivial success
the town boasts one of the best museums in the area

When might brag be a better fit than boast?

The words brag and boast can be used in similar contexts, but brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself.

bragging of their exploits

When is crow a more appropriate choice than boast?

In some situations, the words crow and boast are roughly equivalent. However, crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging.

crowed after winning the championship

How is vaunt related to other words for boast?

Vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag.

vaunted his country's military might

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 boast
Verb
President Donald Trump is still angling for Canada, home to one of the world's largest economies and boasting a land mass slightly exceeding that of the United States, to become the 51st state − this time offering the northern neighbor inclusion in an ambitious air defense system. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 May 2025 In the distance events, Corona Santiago boasts two title contenders — Braelyn Combe in the 1600 and Rylee Blade in the 3200. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
Twangy instrumentation plays the background to Elliott’s boasts of sipping Alize in the club, turning it over to Lady Saw to provide some island flavor to the bizarro club cut. 48. Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 Eight years in the making, the $41 million project from the development firm, J Street Hospitality, is likely to attract many locals, given its boast of having the only rooftop bar in Coronado. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast
Verb
  • Todd Chrisley bragged about the family spending more than $300,000 a year on their clothing (though prosecutors would later allege that the couple exaggerated their actual wealth).
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • Undercover journalists caught an administrator at UNC bragging about pushing DEI despite it being banned.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • This newsletter contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • As of Friday evening, the blaze has been fully contained.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Our ideology is that trunks are synonymous with treasures, created with intricate artistry and deep emotion, meant to be passed down through generations.
    Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The treasure is in each performance, one as different, complex and unfailingly compelling.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Manufacturing has been on the decline in the United States, with only 8% of American workers holding jobs in that sector as of earlier this year compared to roughly 26% in 1970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, And a lot has changed since 1970.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • Kelly holds a political science degree from Wichita State University.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • This past weekend featured the crown jewel of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) annual slate, the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The jewel of the home, a heated pool for swimming laps in the mornings, is located at the center of the inner courtyard, while the rooftop terrace offers an accommodating space for dining and lounging while taking in the city views.
    Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • But, the threats tortilla-makers in Morelos are dealing with highlight the fact that organized crime activity in Mexico affects the legal economy in significant ways.
    Nathaniel Parish Flannery, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Here’s a roundup of the highlights: New pay structure The council unanimously approved new pay ranges for nonunion employees.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The prestigious honor, which celebrates their decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact, will be presented during the live broadcast on June 9.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 29 May 2025
  • The department was then renamed in his honor in 2021, per The Richmond Times-Dispatch.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • This was underlined after the FA Cup semi-final, a day when Villa let a golden opportunity to rubber-stamp Emery’s era with a trophy pass by.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Hundreds of thousands of people had descended on the parade route to see the Liverpool team and its staff travel through the city center on an open-top bus with the Premier League trophy.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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