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
Kate wore her long hair in loose waves for the church outing, where her tresses looked golden in the sunlight. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 What started with yoga has become a full on heat wave. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Blue Ivy made a friend from her courtside seat between her parents at the NBA All-Star Game in 2017 — waving to Bango, the mascot for the Milwaukee Bucks. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 As the raid was taking place, violent clashes erupted between ICE agents and around 500 protesters, some of whom waved Mexican flags. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
Noun
  • CMEs in particular are linked to swells of high-energy particles that can damage satellites, disrupt communications, and endanger astronauts.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But before the construction of a harbor in the mid-1960s altered the surroundings, the spot was a surfer's paradise, with easy, consistent swells.
    Chloe Veltman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • After the complaint was filed, a department named in the filing — the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office — motioned for Hartig to recuse herself from its cases.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh also can motion Loya around to create leverage and access.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Disney, for example, saw surges in ad commitments tied to NFL games, NBA matches and various women’s sports.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Chicagoans are bracing for a potential surge in federal immigration agents and National Guard troops that could begin as soon as this weekend – despite vocal protests by state and local leaders and Chicago residents.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the Astros celebrated, and as music blared and fireworks went off, Chisholm got close to Walsh, yelling and gesturing with his hands.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During a banquet dinner Sunday evening, Xi warmly greeted Putin and was seen gesturing expressively in conversation with the Russian leader.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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