broach

Definition of broachnext
1
as in to surface
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below the immense whales broaching was a magnificent sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word broach distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of broach are air, express, utter, vent, and voice. While all these words mean "to make known what one thinks or feels," broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

When might air be a better fit than broach?

Although the words air and broach have much in common, air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

When could express be used to replace broach?

The words express and broach can be used in similar contexts, but express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

When can utter be used instead of broach?

In some situations, the words utter and broach are roughly equivalent. However, utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

When would vent be a good substitute for broach?

The synonyms vent and broach are sometimes interchangeable, but vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

When is it sensible to use voice instead of broach?

While in some cases nearly identical to broach, voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

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 broach Matar repeatedly broached the fatwa with contacts in messaging apps in 2021 and 2022, according to exhibits shown in court. ABC News, 29 July 2026 This kind of arrangement isn’t new—when ARTnews broached the subject with New York’s Michael Hort, who collects with his wife Susan, he was puzzled as to why there should even be a story about it. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026 Smith didn’t broach the allegations with Miller, not wanting to add stress. Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026 The report also broached the topic of culture and workplace concerns. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for broach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broach
Verb
  • One day later, news surfaced that Meta had quietly abandoned its plan to restructure its workforce around AI agents.
    Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier yesterday, Nepali and Chinese officials were forced to pull emergency crews out after the first lake surfaced.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Singapore is overhauling its landmark baby bonus scheme, first introduced in 2001, as the city’s fertility rate and number of births fall to record lows.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • China’s automakers are entering the silicon race BYD introduced its 4 nm Xuanji A3 intelligent-driving chip earlier this year, while Nio, Li Auto and XPeng have also developed proprietary automotive processors.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This comes after shares of Target spiked last Wednesday after the retailer reported second-quarter top- and bottom-line gains and raised its outlook for the year.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • If passed, the USPS will raise rates by an average of 6% for retail and commercial USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Parcel Select shipments, according to the USPS press release.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Along with the move back to Britain, Meghan’s acting return was a subject the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had reportedly been discussing for some time, according to People.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Yet many Jews then and now objected to the idea that bringing up Israel’s war in Lebanon was appropriate context when discussing a synagogue attack.
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To gauge correctly, people can place a measuring tape around the abdomen, between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bones, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Seats were placed around the circle for visitors to witness firsthand the ancient drumming, chants, and intertribal dances carried by the wind and heard nearly two miles away, at the lakefront’s Geo-Karis State Park.
    Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broach. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!