wax 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of waxnext
1
as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction waxing a surfboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to cream
slang to defeat by a large margin I can't believe I bet on a football team that ended up getting waxed 45-0

Synonyms & Similar Words

wax

2 of 2

verb (2)

1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the commitment of the young volunteers to the cause seems to wax and wane

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality waxed poetic whenever he wrote to his girlfriend

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wax
Verb
Locals wax poetic over the fried shrimp at Domilise’s, a venerable dive open since 1918, and Parkway Bakery and Tavern, a Mid-City institution that offers an excellent slow-roasted beef version with a slathering of gravy. — Jenny Adams, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026 Later, over a poolside lunch, Strong waxed poetic about the feeling of wearing Loro Piana and learning about sailing from Casiraghi, a prolific sailboat racer. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026 Also, about an hour after sunset, look west for the sight of the waxing crescent moon with three bright planets in view—Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026 Strong exertions of such power have waxed and waned throughout American history. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wax
  1. grease
  2. cream
  3. increase
  4. become
  5. oil
  6. whip
  7. rise
  8. get
Verb
  • Use the wrapper from the stick of butter to grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
    — Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
  • Whether they're getting greased after a Super Bowl or spoiling All-Star rosters, does any city's poles get as much attention as Philadelphia's?
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of grease
Verb
  • Wimbledon remains the oldest of the four Grand Slam tournaments, steeped in traditions from strawberries and cream to its all-white dress code.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • Clarity is the butter creamed with sugar.
    — Kent Merrell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of cream
Verb
  • The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • On average, Google says this new data should increase your backup size by 40 MB.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Building regional hub The announcement follows Wisconsin’s passage of Act 165 earlier this year, becoming the first standalone state law in the United States to exempt capital expenditures on fusion energy projects from state sales tax.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of become
Verb
  • Then back by a slightly different route, past more hides and oiled walnut and blued steel.
    — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
  • One of the easiest ways to take care of your nails at home is by oiling them.
    — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 June 2026
Definition of oil
Verb
  • Vanilla ice cream was layered with strawberry sauce, pound cake pieces, strawberry crunch, whipped topping and fresh strawberries, then served with cinnamon-sugar chips fried in-house.
    — Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • The next morning, the wind whipped the lake to a froth, making the crossing to the river’s outlet impossible.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Officials said the warning systems built since last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County in the early hours before water levels began to rise, allowing for people to react quickly to flooding threats.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • On linear television, the series is up +62% among adults 18-49, +26% among adults 25-54 and +30% in total viewers, with P2+ viewing across VOD platforms rising +44% within seven days of airing.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026
Definition of rise
Verb
  • The city banned data centers near transit and the Beltline, but this one is trying to get an exception.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Residents in Congressional District 24 will get a chance to hear from candidates running to fill the seat of outgoing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson at a forum held in Little Haiti.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of get

Phrases Containing wax

Browse Nearby Words

wavy
wax
waxed
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Cite this Entry

“Wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wax. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wax

Nglish: Translation of wax for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wax

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