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
After missing the cut at the US Open, Phil Mickelson walked off the 18th green at Oakmont with a quiet nod to the sparse crowd, a soft wave, and a lingering glance at the leaderboard.—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 Conquering the Pacer comeback wave feels like the final breakthrough.—Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 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
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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