brew

To make tea or coffee using hot water, or let it stand until its flavor develops.

• I'll brew some coffee.
• Let the tea brew for three minutes.
• She brewed a fresh pot before we arrived.

Similar words: make, steep

Common phrases: brew tea, brew coffee, let something brew

To make beer by preparing grain in water and adding yeast, which produces alcohol.

• They brew their own beer.
• This ale was brewed in a small village.
• He learned to brew using a kit.

How to use it: brew something from something (They brew beer from locally grown barley.)

Common phrases: brew beer, brew an ale, brew at home

To think of and develop a plan, often secretly.

• They brewed a secret plan.
• She is brewing up a clever escape scheme.
• What mischief are those children brewing now?

How to use it: brew up something (They brewed up a scheme to fool the guards.)

Similar words: devise, concoct, plot

Common phrases: brew a plot, brew a scheme, brew up something

A drink made by putting tea, coffee, or other ingredients into hot water.

• This is a strong brew.
• She poured a cup of her herbal brew.
• Would you like a fresh brew before we leave?

Similar words: tea, coffee, infusion

Common phrases: a strong brew, a fresh brew, a herbal brew

Something produced by mixing ingredients, or a combination of feelings, events, or conditions.

• We tasted the local brew.
• The new brew combines three kinds of grain.
• Rumors and resentment created a toxic brew in the office.

How to use it: a brew of something (Fear and anger formed a dangerous brew of emotions.)

Similar words: mixture, concoction, blend

Common phrases: a potent brew, a toxic brew, brew of something, a local brew