wave 1 of 2

noun

Definition of wavenext
as in swell
a moving ridge on the surface of water the toddler was almost knocked down by the waves created by the speedboat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wave

2 of 2

verb

ˈwāv How to pronounce wave (audio)
as in to motion
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture waved them over to the side of the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wave distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wave are brandish, flourish, swing, and thrash. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

In what contexts can brandish take the place of wave?

Although the words brandish and wave have much in common, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could flourish be used to replace wave?

The words flourish and wave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When can swing be used instead of wave?

The words swing and wave can be used in similar contexts, but swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When is it sensible to use thrash instead of wave?

The meanings of thrash and wave largely overlap; however, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wave
Noun
In Kevin Nguyen’s gripping novel, the U.S. government sets up internment camps for citizens of Vietnamese ancestry following a wave of terrorist attacks. —Meg Zukin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music This week, Billboard and Telemundo unveiled the first wave of honorees for the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music Awards set to broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24 via Telemundo. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
Adams repeatedly waved off accusations of engaging in a quid pro quo arrangement with the Trump administration to drop federal charges in exchange for helping Trump’s immigration crackdown in New York City. —Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025 Barrymore then launched up from her seat to showcase how Mr. Clean shows off his sensual side, shaking her hips and waving an imaginary mop. —EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
  1. swell
  2. motion
  3. surge
  4. gesture
Noun
  • As global demand swells— projected to nearly double to $10.6 billion by 2033— nations with sprawling orchards and industrial export capacity are scrambling to scale up.
    — Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The spot where the Katina is anchored gets some swell, so Jason has to move the boat elsewhere.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of swell
Verb
  • After hitting a three-pointer, Morant motioned his arms to that of a large gun.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The friend motioned at her to come in and close the door.
    — David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of motion
Noun
  • At the time, a Trader Joe’s representative responded to the steep price surge in a statement to PEOPLE.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Several Asian countries, including Vietnam, South Korea and Taiwan, have also seen trade flows to the US surge since Trump’s first term.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of surge
Verb
  • Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing gestures as earthquake survivors gather in the compound of a hospital in Naypyidaw on March 28, 2025, after an earthquake in central Myanmar.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The incident was captured on video by a fellow passenger and shows a man aggressively gesturing and yelling at the man sitting behind him.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of gesture

Phrases Containing wave

Browse Nearby Words

watery
wave
wave (aside or off)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Nglish: Translation of wave for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wave

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