BOAST Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

boast 1 of 2

verb

Definition of boast

as in to brag

to praise or express pride in one's own possessions, qualities, or accomplishments often to excess he boasted about his latest killing in real estate so I thought he should be the one to pay for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to contain

to have within the hotel boasts nearly 50 rooms

Synonyms & Similar Words

boast

2 of 2

noun

ˈbōst

as in treasure

an asset that brings praise or renown the school's boast was a winning football team

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

By 1881 the town boasted 7,000 residents, including the cast of today’s story. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2026 The city’s event has been held for over 17 years and has boasted over 1,000 participants in recent years,Torres said. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

That standard still holds for his frequent barrages of boasts, insults, threats, grouses and indecipherable dispatches via Truth Social. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 There are few places where contradictions between the president's boasts and the economic reality of his tariffs are more likely to collide ahead of November's midterm elections than in battleground Michigan, which holds its primary on Tuesday. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for boast

Verb

Seaver, who announced Parton’s death at the age of 80, bragged about the deal in Haiti in that message, court records show.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Afterward, Lisa brags about her pickpocketing skills and says theft is easier and less insulting to the mark.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of brag

Verb

Shauf quit drinking in 2020, and while The Party contains its fair share of drunken regret, alcohol is a more central subject on the afterparty’s other two outtakes.

— Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
The medical response has focused largely on treating and containing the disease, with little to no attention to the mental health of those affected.

— Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of contain

Noun

Supporting this remarkable local treasure offers a rare chance to experience authentic culinary artistry from a true master.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
There’s joy, there’s music, there’s magically regenerating food, trees that flower and fruit at the same time, piles of treasure, crystals that rain from the sky, everlasting happiness and health.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of treasure

Noun

The crown jewel of the hotel, the wellness program offers all the usual suspects—massages, facials, and a variety of body treatments meant to soothe sore muscles—plus so much more.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026
One of her final outings in the jewels was to the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

— Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of jewel

Noun

The honor celebrates films that transcend the screen to become defining cultural moments, capturing audiences’ attention through their impact, reach, and resonance.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
The honor also comes as Swift continues to highlight her country music roots.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Noun

Kendall and Kylie are so much younger that Kim has almost maternal pride in them.

— Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Mining heritage and guochao National pride in China, expressed through the guochao movement, continues to boom in fashion, with local designers finding new ways to translate their own culture in their designs.

— Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of pride

Browse Nearby Words

boas

boast

boasted

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“Boast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boast. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of boast

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