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
The second wave of feminism continued into the 70s, birthing key milestones like the publication of Gloria Steinem’s Ms. magazine and the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade.—Christina Hillsberg, People.com, 16 June 2025 If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 16 June 2025
Verb
Díaz was also waved home by third base coach Tim Leiper, and center fielder Jacob Young’s throw beat him by several steps.—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Advertisement Sir Oswald Mosley waving to his followers at a Fascist march through South East London, Oct. 3rd 1937.—Rosemary Counter, Time, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Sedat Suna/Getty Images Swiss watch exports dropped by almost 10% in May led by a slump in shipments to the US, reversing the previous month’s surge when manufacturers were trying to get ahead of a looming trade war.
—
Lionel Lim,
Fortune,
19 June 2025
The second hurricane of the Pacific season is expected to arrive along the coast east of Acapulco with destructive winds, life-threatening storm surge, and flash flooding.
Walker Mitchell was at bat with two outs and Sebastian Alexander had just stolen second base when Schnall went to the top steps of the dugout, gestured at plate umpire Angel Campos with three fingers and began shouting at him.
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Eric Olson,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2025
Bayern Munich's English forward #09 Harry Kane gestures during the Club World Cup 2025 Group C football match between Germany's Bayern Munich and New Zealand's Auckland City at the TQL stadium in Cincinnati on June...
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