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

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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 And Peterson, the Charlotte Hornets’ president of basketball operations, didn’t blink when the subject of player movement was broached in a wide-ranging chat about myriad topics. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 For years, Israel did not officially broach the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially in recent years as the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 For years, Israel never officially broached the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on. — ABC News, 28 June 2026 The Vikings and O’Neill’s representatives broached the subject of an extension at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
  1. surface
  2. introduce
  3. raise
  4. discuss
  5. place
Verb
  • The prosecution said the collusion was not a standalone incident but a long-standing, systemic practice that surfaced during a time of global crisis.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • In practice, that means AI is running the numbers, populating forms, surfacing options, and even suggesting installation dates.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Definition of surface
Verb
  • Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • In its opening match, Cape Verde introduced itself with a draw against mighty Spain.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • But the data center boom has raised many questions about land use, the resources the complexes consume and the risk of costs being spread to other Georgia residents and businesses.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Gonzales ran with a platform decisively to the left, supporting Medicare-for-all, raising the minimum wage and cracking down on junk fees.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • In other news, NATO leaders are meeting this week and officials are expected to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • While discussing the vows with her cohosts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan, Roberts added that Swift and Kelce's neighbors and high school friends were also among the attendees.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • By then Tanacharison is telling Washington that he is mystically protected, in the mode of certain Indigenous warriors who were placed on earth to be leaders.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • The Supreme Court lifted a block that a lower court placed on the stops.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of place

Browse Nearby Words

brittleness
broach
broached
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Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on broach

Nglish: Translation of broach for Spanish Speakers

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