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.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that Pretti wished to "inflict harm" and was "brandishing" a weapon.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Tunney and others quickly “put two and two together,” though, when they noticed that this black-and-orange-bedecked patron was brandishing a commemorative football.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2023

He was brandishing an envelope with the speaker’s letterhead.

From New York Times • Jan. 6, 2021

In a perverse sense, the relief of August 2017 was that one could finally differentiate the locals from the actual Nazis on the basis of who was brandishing flaming torches and carrying guns.

From Slate • Sep. 3, 2020

There were several breakages because I was brandishing the sword so clumsily.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke