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

Dangerous rip currents and 10–15 foot waves forecast for U.S. East Coast beaches. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

Despite the threat of strong waves along the East Coast, a cold front pushing off of America's coast is expected to keep Erin out to sea and will also bring below-average temperatures to the Northeast next week. —Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2025

Verb

Officers seen kicking door and waving keys in front of camera After Reyes shut the door to his apartment on July 30, one of the agents fiercely kicked the front door multiple times as if trying to break it down, the security footage shows. —Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2025

After Cody Rhodes Beats John Cena Cody Rhodes begged the referee to call the match off, but Cena waved the ref off. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing wave

• cold wave