How is the word wave distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of wave are brandish, flourish, swing, and thrash. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.
waving the flag
In what contexts can brandish take the place of wave?
Although the words brandish and wave have much in common, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.
brandishing a knife
When could flourish be used to replace wave?
The words flourish and wave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.
flourished the winning lottery ticket
When can swing be used instead of wave?
The words swing and wave can be used in similar contexts, but swing implies regular or uniform movement.
swing the rope back and forth
When is it sensible to use thrash instead of wave?
The meanings of thrash and wave largely overlap; however, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.
an infant thrashing his arms about
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wave
Noun
Then after another Algerian wave of pressure, Gouiri tapped in a loose ball after a corner from Anis Hadj Moussa, Mahrez’s replacement after the hydration break in the 76th minute, bounded loosely through the box.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
23 June 2026 The Montauk surfing scene took off in the 1960s, when pros and amateurs descended on the area for what are said to be the best waves on the East Coast and became part of the landscape.—
Mike Albo,
Curbed,
23 June 2026
Verb
People wave Iranian flags while attending the funeral of Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' navy alongside others killed in US-Israeli strikes on Iran at Enghelab Square in Tehran on April 1, 2026.—
Emma Graham,
CNBC,
4 July 2026 The vast courtyard of the complex, the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, was filled with mourners, many waving Iranian flags and carrying photographs of the slain leader.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wave
Options for activities include paddleboarding and chasing Arctic swells in the fjords, sailing through sea cliffs and the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and spotting whales, seals, Arctic foxes, and more wildlife.
—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
28 June 2026
Since its 2022 introduction, Ryder's Law has received a swell of support from local and national animal welfare groups; NYC legislators, including former mayor Eric Adams; and a slew of celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Ricky Gervais, Marisa Tomei and Christopher Walken.
—
ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2026