FLOURISH Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'flourish' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flourish are brandish , swing , thrash , and wave . While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement. // flourished the winning lottery ticket

Q: When is it sensible to use 'brandish' instead of 'flourish'?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion. // brandishing a knife

Q: When could 'swing' be used to replace 'flourish'?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement. // swing the rope back and forth

Q: When might 'thrash' be a better fit than 'flourish'?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement. // an infant thrashing his arms about

Q: When can 'wave' be used instead of 'flourish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish , wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion. // waving the flag

flourish 1 of 2

verb

ˈflər-ish

Definition of flourish

as in to thrive

to grow vigorously that plant flourishes in cool, wet weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to succeed

to reach a desired level of accomplishment the arts program flourished once it received adequate funding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flourish

2 of 2

noun

as in wave

Related Words

as in ruffle

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flourish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flourish are brandish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When is it sensible to use brandish instead of flourish?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could swing be used to replace flourish?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When might thrash be a better fit than flourish?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of flourish?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish, 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 flourish

Verb

The demand has grown so high that an underground gray market has flourished in delivering those cult-classic burgers to hungry customers. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 Within Daniels’ generation, change has been flourishing in the hearts and minds of locals. — Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

Tyler placed it between us with an elegant flourish; the steam carried the scent of glorious-secret spices. — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Sherfane Rutherford scored 49 not out off 26 balls to provide the final flourish, hitting four fours and three sixes, as West Indies breached 200. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flourish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish

Verb

Changes that help one employee thrive, such as clearer expectations, better training or more consistent communication, often make the workplace more effective for everyone.

— John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Despite the declining participation numbers, some Massachusetts programs are thriving.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of thrive

Noun

The Ukrainian capital endured a noisy night as 21 ballistic missiles came in three waves, Zelenskyy said, smashing apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station and the Kyiv subway system, shopping malls and businesses.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
While the market is riding a wave of success, John doesn’t gloss over the grim outlook of the fishing and seafood industry as a whole.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of wave

Noun

Armor-like shoulders, oversized sleeveless jackets, and leather micro-shorts contrasted with sheer silk chiffon, fishnet dresses, and sculptural tulle ruffles.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
The silhouette was slim-fitting, with a scoop neckline and flowing skirt that cascaded in ruffles to the red carpet.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruffle

Verb

In the new century that followed, parties have continued to prosper when their presidential candidates win and give ground in the midterms.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Roddenberry execs are now trying to ensure that a company built on the back of one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable IPs can continue to live long and prosper.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of prosper

Noun

In the coming weeks, permanent plaza fences will be erected here — curvy stainless-steel structures that MAD Architects principal Dixon Junliang Lu compared to the lacy filigree of Art Nouveau architecture.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Around this infrastructure, Pizzini and her team reconstructed the original Muppet Theatre, from the iconic arches to the filigree to the safety curtain with the door Kermit pops out of in the opening sequence.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of filigree

Verb

The area was briefly closed while officers waited for coroner’s officials to arrive.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
With a couple of hundred attendees expected, more than 2,000 people had arrived by the halfway point of the inaugural event, which was hosted by Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1714.

— Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrive

Browse Nearby Words

flounders

flourish

flourished

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Style

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

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Synonyms of flourish

verb

noun

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