brunt
5 synonyms for brunt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The main force or worst part of something difficult, usually in the phrase "bear the brunt".
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use brunt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bear the brunt of
take the brunt
Etymology
From Middle English brunt, meaning a sudden blow or attack, likely linked to an Old Norse word for rushing forward violently.
Full origin of brunt →Frequently asked questions
What does “brunt” mean?
The word “brunt” means the main force or worst part of something difficult, usually in the phrase "bear the brunt". In plain terms, the heaviest or most damaging part of something bad, almost always paired with "bear".
How do you pronounce “brunt”?
“Brunt” is pronounced bruhnt (/bɹʌnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “brunt” in a sentence?
Here is “brunt” used in a sentence: “Coastal towns bore the brunt of the storm.”
What part of speech is “brunt”?
“Brunt” is a noun.
Where does the word “brunt” come from?
The word “brunt” comes from Middle English. From Middle English brunt, meaning a sudden blow or attack, likely linked to an Old Norse word for rushing forward violently.
Is “brunt” a common word?
“Brunt” is an uncommon word in modern English.
