waves 1 of 2

Definition of wavesnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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waves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wave

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
Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026 Search and rescue efforts spanned 14,000 square nautical miles of rough seas, where waves at times reached as high as 10 feet, the Coast Guard said. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 Green noise is a mid-frequency sound profile centered around 500 Hz that mimics nature sounds like ocean waves, gentle rain and rustling leaves. Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026 Last month, the wife of singer John Legend ditched her long mermaid waves for a sleek blunt bob. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026 On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026 Planes don’t crash during turbulence because their wings continuously generate lift and the surrounding air remains intact, similarly to a boat riding waves. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 This Shiranami set only extends that tradition, with deep-blue handles and bright white touches in a nod to the vibrant waves often depicted in Japanese art. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 With waves of price hikes taking hold across subscription streaming, many free outlets are gaining traction with viewers, who accept ads as a tradeoff for not having to pay steep subscriber fees. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Based on the Tacoma pickup, the midsize 4Runner still waves the flag for the traditional SUV fans who want real off-road performance. ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026 The snowy-haired Scot waves me into the passenger seat of his Can-Am Traxter with a huge grin and navigates us through the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town, famously anchored by mainland Britain’s most remote pub, the Old Forge. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026 Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand. Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 11 Feb. 2026 Dancer Natalie Reid approaches to take the barstool beside her, but Swift waves her away because the seat is reserved for her stone. Bryan West, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Altman almost waves away these grim tolls as an inevitable consequence of the product’s popularity. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 21 Jan. 2026 Good, in the driver’s seat, waves cars past her. Frank Matt, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026 One of the all-time greatest Stranger Things moments occurs when Dipshit Derek excitedly waves at his new best friend, Mike Wheeler. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waves
Noun
  • Just offshore, 50 surfers caught swells.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Only 2200 of them remain, having staved off swells of economic uncertainty, retaining their Irish accents and ways of life.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Stars hang in the darkness, but the eastern horizon is beginning to glow — a soft, growing light that signals the sun's rise.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado April 10, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Waves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waves. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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