thrash

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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 When D’Silva signaled to turn off the flashlights and thrash our arms around, the blackness transformed into a beautiful cloud of luminous phosphorescence. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2025 In the teaser, some of the department's patients include a newborn baby and an unruly person thrashing around in an ambulance. Julia Moore, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Trump has been thrashing about for months looking for ways to manipulate the midterms. Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025 Notre Dame won three of those games — the 2010 Sun Bowl, a 2012 thrashing in Chicago and a close game in South Bend, Indiana in 2016. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrash
Verb
  • As the late historian Barry Rubin documented in his biography of Arafat, the Palestinian leader used a variety of methods, both buying off and burying his opponents.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.
    Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His best friend’s little sister sets out to whip him back into shape.
    Tessa Bailey, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Boaters were the last to be warned to watch the sky as a line of wind-whipping storms pushed out to sea.
    Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Common symptoms include excessive scratching, licking, ear infections, and digestive issues.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The pair is seen crawling through a wildflower field, dancing, and jumping, but also hollering at each other, brandishing knives, and at some point, Lawrence licks a window with zeal.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One night earlier, Cecconi tossed eight scoreless innings and carried a no-hitter through seven.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Move the ingredients to the hole and toss to cover them with the sauce.
    Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The senior completed 19 of 26 passes for 142 yards and three TDs as Granada beat Monte Vista 19-7.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Analysts are often effusive in their praise of companies on their earnings calls after results beat expectations or a forecast is particularly impressive.
    Ari Levy, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In corroborating much of the testimony Pentagon intelligence official David Grusch offered in July 2023, Elizondo also accused the Department of Defense of hiding its UFO programs from Congress while misappropriating funds to operate them.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Coel, the boundary-pushing revelation from I May Destroy You, is a perfect foil, hiding Lori’s feelings behind her deadpan delivery, unblinking sphinx-like stare and wary body language but poised to shoot barbs when the moment calls for them.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The View cohost Joy Behar's instincts as an Italian-American mama bear led her to lash out at Hollywood actor Martin Sheen over his handling of son Charlie Sheen's past substance addiction.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Ben-Gvir, who leads a small far-right ultranationalist party, lashed out at the court ruling Sunday.
    Natalie Melzer, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • My hand twitched toward the phone, muscle memory stronger than willpower.
    Maggie Downs, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Jones’ raw traits have always been jaw-dropping — a 6-foot-6 defensive end who can combine an edge rusher’s twitch with an interior lineman’s power.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thrash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrash. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thrash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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