Thesaurus results for WAVES

waves 1 of 2

noun

plural of wave

as in swells

a moving ridge on the surface of water the toddler was almost knocked down by the waves created by the speedboat

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waves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wave

as in motions

to direct or notify by a movement or gesture waved them over to the side of the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 waves

Noun

For three decades, Democratic Assemblyman Bill Colton weathered red waves, tsunamis, and everything in between by building an organization focused on constituent service, solving neighborhood problems, and bringing residents into civic life. — Joey Saban, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026 There’s a crack in one of the home’s two foundations, and interior damage from waves breaking into the lower levels. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026 Her long, dark hair fell in loose waves, while her makeup was similarly pared back. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026 The Ritz-Carlton Spa floats out over the crashing waves, with its six pod-like pavilions inspired by traditional Malay fishing traps, or ‘bubus’. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 The Ukrainian capital endured a noisy night as 21 ballistic missiles came in three waves, Zelenskyy said, smashing apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station and the Kyiv subway system, shopping malls and businesses. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026 There was a very rigorous, full-on casting situation, and there were waves of auditions. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 In past waves of new technology, Simmons said, wealthier New Yorkers got access to training first, and the gap compounded. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

Picture a doorman who checks your ID with great care, then waves you into any apartment in the building. — Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The Spa At the beach-level spa, the windows were left wide open during my 60-minute Salt Air Reset massage, making all-natural birdsong and waves the soundtrack of my treatment. — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 My son waves his hands through my light and laughs and laughs. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 Ferrari is wary of a culture that diagnoses and labels nearly everything, and equally wary of the backlash that waves off deeper work as just talking. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 July 2026 Luke offers to change Nathan’s, but the bosun waves away the offer. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026 Not to the American fan who calls it soccer, waves the flag and doesn't apologize for loving his country. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Daddy Yankee waves the Puerto Rican flag on a float during the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 14. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 10 feet were possible on some coasts of the Philippines. — CBS News, 7 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waves

Noun

As Tchaikovsky’s familiar score swells in the historic Lyric Opera House, Marie and the Nutcracker Prince float through the enchanting fairgrounds of Chicago’s famed 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

— Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
On top of that, there’s a good chance of large swells being whipped up by winter storms, said meteorologist Munroe, adding to the sea level.

— Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of swells

Verb

The project signals Meta’s growing interest in humanoid hardware, but questions remain about the robots’ ability to perform complex household tasks and operate safely around people.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
That appetite for these pods and machines signals the industry will move toward more plastic-free alternatives, Nathan said.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026