wag 1 of 3

Definition of wagnext
as in flap
a quick jerky movement from side to side or up and down the dog gave its tail a single wag before it flopped back down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wag

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noun (2)

wag

3 of 3

verb

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as in to bob
to make short up-and-down movements the bird's head wagged jerkily as it looked for worms

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 wag
Noun
Many critics, political pundits, and wags asked, somewhat rhetorically, whether anyone in the administration recalls how handing the responsibility of nuclear weaponry over to machines turned out in the Terminator movies. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026 The latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has some wag to it. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Tax savings are real, but when the tax tail starts wagging the family dog, reversibility quietly disappears. Royce Ramey, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 In the clip, the startled pup wags its tail and stands with the help of rescuers after it's pulled to safety. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wag
Noun
  • The flap has also brought harsh criticism from prominent people in Miami, including former Democratic congressman Joe Garcia.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • These flaps suggest Praearcturus may have been capable of moving between water and land.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The Original put his hands on Ojitos, and the blind comedian answered with several shots with a cain.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • Steyer's video supporting Hernandez earned praise from some liberal social media users, especially those who advocate for transgender rights, including transgender comedian Stacy Cay.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • And then, as if a switch had been flicked, Alamo’s tone changed again.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
  • Hull went closest on the stroke of halftime when McBurnie’s header flicked off a Middlesbrough defender and clipped the top of the crossbar.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • Andy Cohen has spent much of his career gossiping about other people’s love lives.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • The Newport in my book, and also in my memory, is a place where people gossip.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • While the view from my balcony, overlooking yachts bobbing in the marina and Table Mountain further beyond, was lovely, nothing compares to the two-bedroom Cape Grace suite, with its panoramic perch over the mountain and harbor.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Metallic cat-eye and chrome finishes give the effect of an ice-cold glass, while sheer jelly polishes look almost exactly like the paper-thin slice of lime bobbing in your drink.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Yeah, there was a twitch going on there.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
  • Also, in a game that requires the quick twitch of athleticism, Kobe Bryant, post-surgically repaired Achilles, never looked the same while languishing on a Lakers team that never won more than 27 games in his final three years.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Arraez was then picked off and the inning was over without Schmitt getting a chance to swing the bat.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • Given Waters’ stature as a congressional representative for 35 years, Ali said, her slate mailers can swing outcomes.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The person sometimes tries to talk to me about my good friend.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 2 June 2026
  • In a loss, OpenAI could face pressure to implement remedies like age-gating free ChatGPT accounts to protect kids, shutting down conversations that discuss violence and suicide, and removing features that the state says deceptively make ChatGPT feel like talking to a human.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026

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“Wag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wag. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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