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
Surfers have the mountainous waves of Mavericks Beach near Half Moon Bay.—James Rainey
follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 This week's move higher triggered a big wave of short liquidations.—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Verb
Attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose).—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025 Shout, wave your arms, stomp your feet or throw objects to scare the coyote away.—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Health officials have been watching for an increase in COVID-19 this summer, as new variants have spread to the U.S. after fueling surges overseas.
—
Sarah Lynch Baldwin,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
The surge in visitors is especially welcome during what is typically a slower summer season for hotels, said Stephanie Harkness, marketing director of sales for the Hampton Inn Uptown and Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown.
—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
Future studies should explore whether free-ranging elephants gesture intentionally to each other to communicate in the same way, researchers said.
—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Each of the photos in the graphic contains the Star of David, gesturing towards centuries-old antisemitic tropes about hidden Jewish conspiracies of influence and power.
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