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
Kate wore her long hair in loose waves for the church outing, where her tresses looked golden in the sunlight.—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 What started with yoga has become a full on heat wave.—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Blue Ivy made a friend from her courtside seat between her parents at the NBA All-Star Game in 2017 — waving to Bango, the mascot for the Milwaukee Bucks.—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 As the raid was taking place, violent clashes erupted between ICE agents and around 500 protesters, some of whom waved Mexican flags.—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
After the complaint was filed, a department named in the filing — the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office — motioned for Hartig to recuse herself from its cases.
—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh also can motion Loya around to create leverage and access.
Disney, for example, saw surges in ad commitments tied to NFL games, NBA matches and various women’s sports.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Chicagoans are bracing for a potential surge in federal immigration agents and National Guard troops that could begin as soon as this weekend – despite vocal protests by state and local leaders and Chicago residents.
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