brandishing

VERB

flaunt, swing around

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flash trot out wield

STRONG

display disport exhibit expose gesture parade raise shake show sport swing threaten warn

WEAK

come on strong show off throw weight around

Antonyms

STRONG

abandon conceal cover guard hide protect save

WEAK

not show

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It’s hard to argue that brandishing a firearm during a traffic misunderstanding is either allowed by federal law or necessary and proper for fulfilling ICE’s duties,” he said.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

Germany’s Der Spiegel showed Europe’s leaders dressed in Nordic warrior garb and brandishing swords.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

Pretti had a permit to carry, according to the Minneapolis police chief, and videos show him holding a cellphone, not brandishing a gun before officers pushed him down to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti was shot because he was "brandishing" a gun.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

There in the lead was King Azaz, his dazzling armor embossed with every letter in the alphabet, and, with him, the Mathemagician, brandishing a freshly sharpened staff.

From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster