Brew — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈbrü/

Meaning & Definition of Brew

Brew (verb)

  1. to prepare (beer, ale, etc.) by steeping, boiling, and fermentation or by infusion and fermentation
  2. to bring about, foment
  3. contrive

Brew (noun)

  1. a brewed beverage (such as beer)
  2. a serving of a brewed beverage
  3. something produced by or as if by brewing

Brew (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

    "they accused her of deliberately trying to brew dissension within the rank and file"

    similar: abet, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set in motion
    related: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, vitalize
    near: bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize

  2. to be about to happen

    "there's trouble brewing in the department"

    similar: impend, loom
    related: advance, approach, close in, draw on, gather, near, hang, hover, lower, menace, overhang, threaten
    near: abate, decline, de-escalate, die down, diminish, disappear, dwindle, ebb, fade, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, remit, shrink, subside, taper, taper off, vanish, wane, fall back, pass, retreat, withdraw

Brew (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in alcohol, liquor

    similar: alcohol, intoxicant, liquor, spirits, nectar, mix, mixer, pop, soda, soda pop, soft drink, potion, beverage, drink, drinkable, libation, potable, quencher

Related Entry: Home brew (noun)

Home brew is a different word from Brew. The synonyms below are for home brew, not for brew.

  1. as in beer, brewage

    similar: ale, beer, brew, brewage, brewski (slang), malt liquor, microbrew, mum, nappy (chiefly Scottish), cocktail, mixed drink, mead, sake, wine, belt, load, nip, peg (British), pop, shooter, shot, slug, snifter, snort, tot, whet, barley-bree (chiefly Scottish), brandy, gin, liqueur, mao-tai, mescal, schnapps, tequila, vodka, whiskey, aperitif, bracer, chaser, digestif, nightcap, Dutch courage, alcohol, aqua vitae, ardent spirits, booze, bottle, drink, firewater, grog, hooch (slang), inebriant, intoxicant, John Barleycorn, juice (slang), liquor, lush (slang), moonshine, potable, rum, sauce (slang), spirits, stimulant, strong drink, tipple
    opposite: nonintoxicant, mocktail, mix, mixer, pop, soda, soda pop, soft drink

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Brew

The most common words with a similar meaning to Brew:

abet, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), impend, loom, set in motion, alcohol, intoxicant, liquor, spirits, nectar, mix, mixer, pop, soda, soda pop, soft drink, potion, beverage, drink, drinkable, libation, potable, quencher

Related Words for Brew

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken

Near Antonyms of Brew

bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize, abate, decline, de-escalate, die down, diminish, disappear, dwindle, ebb, fade, fall, lessen

Word Forms of Brew

Inflections: brewed, brewing, brews

Derived words: brewer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Brew

Middle English, from Old English brēowan; akin to Latin fervēre to boil barm

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Words & Phrases Containing Brew

cold brew, home brew, witches' brew

Frequently Asked Questions about Brew

What does "Brew" mean?

"Brew" means to prepare (beer, ale, etc.) by steeping, boiling, and fermentation or by infusion and fermentation. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to prepare (beer, ale, etc.) by steeping, boiling, and fermentation or by infusion and fermentation. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Brew"?

Other words for "Brew" include abet, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke and raise. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Brew" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Brew"?

There are 73 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Brew". Common alternatives include abet, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up) and whip (up).

How do you use "Brew" in a sentence?

Examples of "Brew" in a sentence: "they accused her of deliberately trying to brew dissension within the rank and file"; "there's trouble brewing in the department".

Is "Brew" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Brew" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Brew"?

"Brew" is pronounced /ˈbrü/.

What is the origin of the word "Brew"?

"Brew" comes from Middle English, from Old English brēowan; akin to Latin fervēre to boil barm. First known use: before 12th centuryt.

What is another word for "Brew" meaning "to bring (something volatile or intense) into being"?

When "Brew" (verb) means to bring (something volatile or intense) into being, synonyms include abet, ferment, foment, incite, instigate and pick.