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

Iran launched waves of strikes towards Bahrain, while Jordan’s state news agency said the country shot down four missiles fired from Iran. — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 Those with space left over for lunch can enjoy anything from local roti to fresh seafood (think juicy Cajun shrimp tacos and grilled fillet of mahi-mahi) to views of the crashing waves. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 Using light to create and detect terahertz waves The principle behind the system is relatively straightforward. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 Some Democrats became more vocal on the issue of immigration at the start of 2026, particularly in states that were seeing intense waves of enforcement. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 17 July 2026 Unlike previous waves of IT, AI spend doesn’t reside in a single system or budget. — Jesse Stockall, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Gold is a safe-haven asset that investors gravitate toward when economic and political turmoil erupts, sending waves through the markets. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 July 2026 This stretch is a favorite among travelers, with rolling hills giving way to stunning shorelines near San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, where waves, beaches, and palm trees line the route. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 Beach waves run the gamut from tight and coiled to long and easy, all depending on your hair type. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Verb

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 Rolling often waves to his regulars from the wheelhouse, and recently passengers have started recognizing him, too — and not just for captaining their commute. — Julia Press, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026 Ben-Gvir waves a large Israeli flag and tells the detainees. — Nick Duffy, NBC news, 20 May 2026 Then Boyd waves to a man passing the DJ booth window. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waves

Noun

In Harlem, these new arrivals also encountered swells of Black immigrants from French and British colonial powers, also arriving in search of economic opportunity as well as greater freedom of expression.

— Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
The beach hazard statements have been in effect mainly due to the strong southerly swells brought by storms that have been ongoing in the south Pacific, sending waves of energy that slam into the West Coast.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026

Definition of swells

Verb

But a string of comments made during the company’s earnings call on Thursday signals a more ominous path ahead for America’s businesses and workers.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 16 July 2026
His reemergence signals that Trump now may support changes to FEMA instead of an outright elimination of the agency.

— David A. Lieb, Fortune, 16 July 2026