Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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.

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

This doesn't mean you should question the natural ebb and flow of a long term relationship.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 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

Hands fold together on “Weltita” as waves ebb and flow, and the warmth of a grandparent’s final forehead kiss lingers on “DTMF.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

In these streams the ebb and flow of the tide is visible for miles inland—hence the name Tidewater Maryland.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.