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 decision led to a wave of backlash from notable figures in Hollywood, who all criticized the move as an attack on free speech. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025 Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Guerrero kept waving, begging for a challenge to erase the mistake. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 One of the night’s highlights came at the very end, after the band took their final bows, waved, and left the stage. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
Noun
  • Number of the day 7 That’s how many unoccupied homes have collapsed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks amid large swells and rough surf caused by a pair of storm systems churning in the Atlantic.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • During the 2022 incident, an unknown person motioned toward Newton to arrest Mitchell for trespassing.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The second man, wearing blue rubber medical gloves, later did the same and motioned for help.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, this sales surge wasn’t limited to one company.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Since his tenure ended, the LDP has faced fallout over a slush fund scandal, an inflation surge, and a rightward political shift across the country.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The rapper then gestured to his family and put on his glasses.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wave

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