wax and wane

Idioms

Increase and decrease, as in size, number, strength, or intensity, as in Enrollments in these programs wax and wane from year to year. This expression alludes to the phases of the moon, with its periodic changes in size. It was first recorded in the 1300s.

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.

See Examples For:

wax and wane

Revenue could also become more volatile since incomes of high earners wax and wane with capital gains.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

Their power doesn’t wax and wane depending on their clothing.

From Salon ● Nov. 9, 2024

Babies do not arrive on anyone’s schedule, and the busyness of labor and delivery units can wax and wane accordingly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2024

But once relationships are formed, some will naturally wax and wane, with many of us losing touch with friends and family that we were once close with.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 23, 2024

They understood that she could wax and wane for a long time.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

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