BRUSH (OFF) Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

brush (off) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of brush (off)

as in to shrug off

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

brush-off

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrəsh-ˌȯf

as in dismissal

treatment that is deliberately unfriendly the mayor tends to give anyone under voting age the brush-off

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 brush (off)

Noun

That brush-off on top of Chris somehow edging her out of the Olympic team so that Tunde wound up as an alternate was too much not to go nuclear. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 Some interpreted the moment as a blatant brush-off; however, others pointed out that Brigitte, 72, could simply have been focused on keeping her balance on the airplane steps or preparing herself to greet the Prince and Princess of Wales. — Meredith Kile, People.com, 8 July 2025 But our findings suggest that the mere inclusion of abbreviations, although seemingly benign, start feeling like a brush-off. — David Fang, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025 Alumi-Blast is an apt name for this low sheen coating that looks realistically like cast aluminum that has received a light brush-off abrasive blast at the factory. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 26 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for brush (off)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brush (off)

Verb

That shrugging off of the war was a common attitude among visitors to Boulevard City, organizers say.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
But Lula shrugged off those concerns and promised to work with the more conservative Congress to govern for all Brazilians.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrug off

Noun

All five students sought to appeal their dismissals but say that the university blocked access to their education records, which the students allege is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

— Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
In Virginia, a judge’s finding that Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed led to the dismissal of indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Atty.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismissal

Noun

Perhaps this accident of birth is connected to the subtle rebuff of modern life in Marcon’s films.

— Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
The rebuff contributes to the future civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, in which Rhaenyra battles her half-brother Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) for the seat of power.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

Definition of rebuff

Verb

Bacelar disputed the accusations and said the lawsuit is filled with recycled claims that were previously litigated and dismissed.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Tyreek Hill was also a polarizing receiver who faced a 2014 domestic assault case that was dismissed and a 2019 child abuse probe, though no charges were filed.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Noun

Even with the federal effort on hold, state governments have pressed ahead with new rules that are already pushing ballot rejection rates higher.

— Philip Wang, Time, 28 Oct. 2026
For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of rejection

Verb

Loneliness looms as a threat to all genders, but men, who are lauded for gruff stoicism and scorned for vulnerability, can be especially ill-equipped to navigate atomization.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Murkowski is admired by independents and some Democrats in Alaska, while being largely scorned by the MAGA right.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of scorn

Noun

Meta shareholders absorbed the snub, and a $25 billion jury verdict in a case stemming from the 2010s Cambridge Analytica episode, by temporarily sending the stock up 2% in after-hours trading Wednesday.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The great Monaco Grand Prix snub of Martin Brundle by Kim Kardashian has finally been put to rest.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of snub

Browse Nearby Words

brushing (off)

brush (off)

brush-off

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Brush (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brush%20%28off%29. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of brush (off)

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wraith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes