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

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 Destructive waves keep thrashing Santa Cruz, causing millions of dollars in damage in recent years A large section of the city’s historic wharf collapsed this week, sending three people into the sea. —

Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024 The Blaugrana got back on track by thrashing Mallorca 5-1 in Son Moix on Tuesday, but Madrid then fluffed its lines in San Mames and fell 2-1 to the Basques 24 hours later. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 Long a critic of traditional credentials, Trump is using his return to power to thrash norms and prove he will not be constrained. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024 In their previous game, Arsenal thrashed Crystal Palace 5-1. —

James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thrash

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash

Verb

Apparently, Jane was buried in a field with dozens upon dozens of other people with no markers.

— Lincee Ray, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025
And, buried in the comments, was one of Daly’s favorite restaurants.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2025