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
Surfers have the mountainous waves of Mavericks Beach near Half Moon Bay. James Rainey follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 This week's move higher triggered a big wave of short liquidations. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Verb
Attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose). Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025 Shout, wave your arms, stomp your feet or throw objects to scare the coyote away. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
Noun
  • Before the swell of optimism, consumer sentiment had fallen to near its lowest level since a bout of inflation three years ago.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 July 2025
  • Arsenal fans online seemed to be in unison against this potential signing, but there has since been a swell of support for Madueke.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Harvey flared out of the backfield plenty in OTAs and minicamp, and could get motioned all over Payton’s offense in 2025.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 9 July 2025
  • Seeing nothing amiss, the sergeant took the forged pass and motioned for Calvin to go inside.
    Literary Hub July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Health officials have been watching for an increase in COVID-19 this summer, as new variants have spread to the U.S. after fueling surges overseas.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • The surge in visitors is especially welcome during what is typically a slower summer season for hotels, said Stephanie Harkness, marketing director of sales for the Hampton Inn Uptown and Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Future studies should explore whether free-ranging elephants gesture intentionally to each other to communicate in the same way, researchers said.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Each of the photos in the graphic contains the Star of David, gesturing towards centuries-old antisemitic tropes about hidden Jewish conspiracies of influence and power.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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