Synonyms of wave

wave 1 of 2

noun

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

• swell
• surge
• tsunami
• billow
• ripple
• surf
• curl
• sea(s)
• breaker
• roller
• wavelet
• whitecap
• comber
• riffle
• ground swell
• tidal wave

wave

2 of 2

verb

ˈwāv 

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

• motion
• gesture
• signal
• flag
• beckon
• nod
• sign
• tell
• inform
• shrug
• gesticulate
• signalize
• flourish
• mime
• advise
• pantomime
• relate
• acquaint

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

Recent Examples of wave

Noun

Miguel Díaz-Canel, who in 2021 became the nation’s first leader not from the Castro family since 1959, ordered a crackdown that year on the largest wave of protests seen for decades. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 19 July 2026

That dynamic was evident in South Korea, which has experienced a nationwide stock-trading mania as chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung ride the AI wave. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 July 2026

Verb

These agreements secured a multibillion dollar revenue stream, but directly benefited xAI’s biggest rivals — and in a way, waved a big white flag. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 16 July 2026

Blanco, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, can be seen holding a surfboard on the beach with her baby bump on display in a white bikini and waving at the camera. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing wave

• cold wave