broach

verb

Definition of broachnext
1
as in to surface
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below the immense whales broaching was a magnificent sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to introduce
to present or bring forward for discussion broached the topic of plans for next year's parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broach distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of broach are air, express, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

When might air be a better fit than broach?

Although the words air and broach have much in common, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When could express be used to replace broach?

The words express and broach can be used in similar contexts, but express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When can utter be used instead of broach?

In some situations, the words utter and broach are roughly equivalent. However, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When would vent be a good substitute for broach?

The synonyms vent and broach are sometimes interchangeable, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When is it sensible to use voice instead of broach?

While in some cases nearly identical to broach, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 broach Taylor and Dakota's future is also another subject likely to be broached, with the two continuing to work on themselves and their co-parenting relationship, sidelining their romance. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 21 May 2025 Broadcaster Jim Gray first broached the idea to Tom Brady of creating a memorabilia museum about eight years ago. —Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Menezes says streaming regulation is an imperative that her office is broaching with great care to protect workers’ rights and the health of the local production environment. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 May 2025 Recent synods have broached sensitive questions—like welcoming LGBTQ Catholics or expanding women's roles in ministry—which alarms those who say too much decentralization risks confusion and division. —Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
  1. surface
  2. introduce
  3. raise
  4. discuss
  5. place
Verb
  • Similar efforts to cap the number of students from overseas have surfaced in the U.S. and abroad.
    — Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Woods also earned Trump's seal of approval after news surfaced of his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the president's former daughter-in-law.
    — Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Definition of surface
Verb
  • Other apps have introduced similar height filters (though Tinder remains the most popular among them — at least 14% of American adults have used it, per Pew Research Center).
    — Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Though Starlink may be off the table for many domestic fliers, at least in the short term, United has introduced new ways for travelers to distract themselves in recent weeks.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • Fisher Scientific withdrew its full-year profit forecast while the medical equipment maker expects to take a $400 million hit in sales to China, as Trump’s tariffs would likely raise the cost of parts the company sources in China.
    — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility.
    — Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • But the truth is, many of the most essential life planning tools—like a will, trust or guardianship directive—are rarely discussed or offered at work.
    — Cody Barbo, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Rather, Evans says, this viral moment is an opportunity to discuss what is acceptable and what isn't in a relationship.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • As these products launch, they will be strategically placed directly next to Tylenol on the pain aisle rather than merchandised with other supplements.
    — Emily Burns, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
  • The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed Kansas City under a slight risk of severe weather on Tuesday.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2025
Definition of place

Browse Nearby Words

brittleness
broach
broached
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on broach

Nglish: Translation of broach for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Some Data About 'Datum'

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All