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

Relevance

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

Synonym Chooser

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 second wave of feminism continued into the 70s, birthing key milestones like the publication of Gloria Steinem’s Ms. magazine and the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade. Christina Hillsberg, People.com, 16 June 2025 If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 16 June 2025
Verb
Díaz was also waved home by third base coach Tim Leiper, and center fielder Jacob Young’s throw beat him by several steps. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Advertisement Sir Oswald Mosley waving to his followers at a Fascist march through South East London, Oct. 3rd 1937. Rosemary Counter, Time, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
Noun
  • Winds were at 30 knots, generating 6-foot to 8-foot swells.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
  • To the right of the eye, life-threatening storm surge will produce coastal flooding, large waves, swells, and rip currents.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The sitter motioned with her hands for the Sheltie to come with her to go outside.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • Morris also motioned for Gateway attorney David Middlebrook to be removed from the case.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Sedat Suna/Getty Images Swiss watch exports dropped by almost 10% in May led by a slump in shipments to the US, reversing the previous month’s surge when manufacturers were trying to get ahead of a looming trade war.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • The second hurricane of the Pacific season is expected to arrive along the coast east of Acapulco with destructive winds, life-threatening storm surge, and flash flooding.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Walker Mitchell was at bat with two outs and Sebastian Alexander had just stolen second base when Schnall went to the top steps of the dugout, gestured at plate umpire Angel Campos with three fingers and began shouting at him.
    Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Bayern Munich's English forward #09 Harry Kane gestures during the Club World Cup 2025 Group C football match between Germany's Bayern Munich and New Zealand's Auckland City at the TQL stadium in Cincinnati on June...
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!