wave 1 of 2

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

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

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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
The next wave of global problem-solvers aren’t necessarily presidents, prime ministers or CEOs. Sergio Alonso Fernández De Córdova Y De Veyga, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 Soft waves cascaded through her inky hair color courtesy of artist Paul Nebres. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Abramite says a triple-barrel waving iron is best for adding this texture to straight hair. Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025 Now, the 36-year-old grower, who inherited the generational plot from his father, can only wave his arm dejectedly at row after row of weak, spindly stems, the result of catastrophic floods that swept the South Asian nation’s agricultural heartland to a degree not experienced in three decades. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
Noun
  • However, if the swell lingers, changes are possible, and the advisory will be extended.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • These swells will spread westward toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight, then toward the rest of the Greater Antilles over the next couple of days.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The officials talked about it and ruled that Goff didn't pause after motioning out from under center.
    Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Players on the field immediately motioned to the sideline for trainers and Warner’s right leg was in an aircast as he was carted off.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Thailand’s Public Health Ministry also warned of a surge in influenza cases in September.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The price surge in bitcoin helped create another 70,000 new crypto millionaires over the past year, adding hundreds of billions of dollars in potential spending to the economy, according to new studies.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • MrBeast, the internet personality most famous for his videos documenting random acts of extreme charity, is in shorts, animatedly talking and gesturing with his hands.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Supporters witnessed players gesturing to each other in annoyance at misplaced passes or mistimed runs, fans let rip with their own nervousness as their side defended a 1-0 lead, and, most graphically, head coach Vitor Pereira was sent from the touchline after his own anxiety got the better of him.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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