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.
Attendees are shown how to use an insect net to brush through the long grass, and a hand lens to identify what they find.
From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026
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
It adds a sound of longing, a brush of sadness.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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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