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.
Yang: That was like our first brush with it.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
If this had been the first indication that Platner had a reckless streak, I would have been more inclined to brush it off.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
She had her first brush with show business in 1944, while working in a factory, when a photographer arrived to capture photos of women working on production lines during World War II.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
The Greek Desk’s closest brush with D-Day was the extraction of Cornelia Kapp from Ankara, Turkey, in 1944.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Her eyes staring straight ahead, Helen jiggles her arm so I know the brush was intentional.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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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