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Showing results for ebb and flow. Search instead for eat+and+flow.
Synonyms

ebb and flow

Idioms  
  1. A decline and increase, constant fluctuations. For example, He was fascinated by the ebb and flow of the Church's influence over the centuries. This expression alludes to the inward and outward movement of ocean tides. [Late 1500s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Research suggests that pills which flatten the natural ebb and flow of fertility can dampen shifts in attraction that typically occur across the menstrual cycle, potentially altering initial mate choice.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Finally, Mr. Muhly’s conclusion, a gorgeous early-music-infused quartet for Death, offers consolation in an ebb and flow that feels like breathing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

The actual figures will ebb and flow with changes in monthly expenses, inflation, your investment returns and, of course, taxes.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 22, 2026

History shows that Latin American stock markets are closely related with the ebb and flow of commodity markets.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

There may have been others on the bank and in the space behind them, but they would have washed away with the ebb and flow of the tide.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins

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