The word vane can be used to describe a blade or fin that projects from a rotating shaft, or a flat piece of metal or wood that is used to show the direction of the wind. Some synonyms for vane include windmill, blade, rotor, propeller, spinner, pinwheel, and fan. These words can be used interchangeably depending on the context in which they are used. For example, a windmill can be considered a vane if it has blades that rotate in the wind, while a pinwheel is a type of vane that is typically used as a children's toy. Synonyms for vane can be helpful in providing clarity and variation in writing.