a wave of indignation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of indignation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe strong and widespread feelings of outrage or outrage. For example, "The latest scandal prompted a wave of indignation from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There may be a wave of indignation against the Brexiters, who lied about what the impact might be.

The Guardian - Opinion

The disastrous agreement the only one possible under the circumstances that he obtained from Charles aroused a wave of indignation in Florence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a wave of indignation when they learned that the Hague tribunal on Balkan war crimes would not be able to pass death sentences.

The Guardian - Opinion

The loss of the liner and so many of its passengers, including the Americans, aroused a wave of indignation in the United States, and it was fully expected that a declaration of war might follow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A wave of indignation is brewing in Chinese society, which might snowball into a major public outcry if the Japanese authorities continue to take a hardline stance," the China Daily said.

The Guardian

Last month, Mr. Engdahl provoked a wave of indignation when he criticized American writers as "too isolated, too insular" and "too sensitive to trends in their own mass culture".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Eden was scandalised and, riding a wave of popular indignation, prepared a grotesquely disproportionate response: full scale invasion.

The Guardian

"She simply lied through her teeth to get re-elected, forming a wave of national indignation," said Antonio Risério, a historian and cultural commentator.

The New York Times

Now they and their backers are reeling under a wave of popular indignation at such perfidy and of enthusiasm for a return to armed opposition to Israel.Egypt is a typical example.

The Economist

If, in writing his diatribe, he was hoping to ride a wave of shared indignation, he could not have predicted that the tide would swiftly shift and come crashing over him.

The New Yorker

Mr. Papandreou's government has not managed to make a convincing case for the sell-off to many Greeks, where the idea of a fire sale has taken hold, setting off a wave of national indignation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of indignation" to describe a widespread and intense feeling of anger and disapproval among a large group of people. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting a collective emotional response to an event or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of indignation" to describe minor disagreements or individual complaints. Indignation implies a strong moral outrage and widespread disapproval, so reserve this phrase for situations where the response is both intense and collective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of indignation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a collective emotional response. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of indignation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to depict a widespread feeling of anger and disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and science sources, indicating its relevance across various domains. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is essential to use it accurately to reflect genuine moral outrage rather than minor disagreements. When writing, consider that alternative phrases such as ""a surge of outrage"" or ""a public outcry"" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. By understanding its appropriate use and considering alternative expressions, writers can effectively convey the intensity and scope of public reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of outrage

Replaces "indignation" with "outrage", implying a more intense and sudden burst of anger.

a groundswell of anger

Substitutes "wave" with "groundswell", suggesting a gradual buildup of widespread anger from the general population.

an outburst of fury

Replaces "indignation" with "fury", indicating a more uncontrolled and explosive display of anger.

a chorus of disapproval

Shifts the metaphor from a wave to a chorus, emphasizing the collective vocalization of disapproval.

a rising tide of resentment

Changes "indignation" to "resentment", focusing on a feeling of bitterness and injustice that is steadily increasing.

a storm of protest

Replaces both "wave" and "indignation" with "storm" and "protest" creating a strong metaphor for vigorous opposition.

a flare-up of discontent

Replaces "indignation" with "discontent", focusing on a sense of dissatisfaction.

a public outcry

Replaces "wave of indignation" with a direct phrase indicating public expression of strong disapproval.

widespread condemnation

Removes the wave metaphor, directly stating a broad expression of strong disapproval.

collective displeasure

Expresses disapproval in a more subdued and formal way.

FAQs

How can I use "a wave of indignation" in a sentence?

You can use "a wave of indignation" to describe a widespread feeling of anger and disapproval. For example: "The company's unethical practices sparked "a wave of indignation" among its customers."

What phrases are similar to "a wave of indignation"?

Similar phrases include "a surge of outrage", "a groundswell of anger", or "a public outcry". These all describe strong, widespread negative reactions.

Is "a wave of indignation" a formal or informal expression?

"A wave of indignation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific publication. It's common in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions.

What causes "a wave of indignation"?

"A wave of indignation" typically arises from perceived injustice, unethical behavior, or actions that violate moral principles. It reflects a collective sense of outrage.