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

This will become the third tropical system to send waves to California in about three weeks. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026 Breaking waves will reach up to 10 feet tall at south and southwest-facing beaches and points, the agency said Saturday. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 25 July 2026 But outfielder Dominic Smith made his own waves with his first home run since June 6. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 July 2026 Yes, the first decision definitely made more waves, but this was the best chapter of his story. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Her chin-length bob was parted to the side and styled into soft waves. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 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

Verb

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waves

Noun

Confidence is high that Fausto's swells will reach the islands well in advance of the center of the storm – as early as Sunday on the eastern end of the state – increasing surf and dangerous rip currents, the forecast stated.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 July 2026
The hurricane center said swells generated by Fausto could cause life-threatening surf and rip tides in parts of southern California.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Definition of swells

Verb

Completing tasks quickly often signals that an employee has more capacity, and organizations tend to reward those employees with more work rather than more pay, recognition or flexibility.

— Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Fox’s addition to the coalition signals both the company’s willingness to engage with AI while also recognizing the need to do so responsibly, Furniss said.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 22 July 2026