brush
Usage
What are other ways to say brush?
A brush is a brief encounter or skirmish: a brush with the law. Struggle implies vigorous bodily effort or violent exertion: a hand-to-hand struggle. Clash implies a direct and sharp collision between opposing parties, efforts, interests, etc.: a clash of opinions.
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.
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s recent brush with mortality reminds us how clearly his administration showed that people, not impersonal forces, make history—especially men of vision and courage like him.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
“It was a brush fire, and we were trying to keep it from becoming a dumpster fire,” he said.
From Slate • May 4, 2026
It was only when the team had cycled off, she realised she had had a brush with a former Glastonbury headliner.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
“Across the Palisades, people whose homes are standing will tell you that a little bit of water and a little bit of brush clearance did indeed make a difference,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
I brush the tiny pink eraser flecks off the table and raise my hand.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
Vocabulary lists containing brush
Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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Units 2–3
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Neighborhood Odes
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