Synonyms of wave

wave 1 of 2

noun

as in swell

a moving ridge on the surface of water

the toddler was almost knocked down by the waves created by the speedboat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• swell
• surge
• tsunami
• billow
• ripple
• surf
• curl
• sea(s)
• breaker
• roller
• wavelet
• whitecap
• comber
• riffle
• ground swell
• tidal wave

wave

2 of 2

verb

ˈwāv 

as in to motion

to direct or notify by a movement or gesture

waved them over to the side of the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

• motion
• gesture
• signal
• flag
• beckon
• nod
• sign
• tell
• inform
• shrug
• gesticulate
• signalize
• flourish
• mime
• advise
• pantomime
• relate
• acquaint

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wave distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wave are brandish, flourish, swing, and thrash. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

In what contexts can brandish take the place of wave?

Although the words brandish and wave have much in common, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could flourish be used to replace wave?

The words flourish and wave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When can swing be used instead of wave?

The words swing and wave can be used in similar contexts, but swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When is it sensible to use thrash instead of wave?

The meanings of thrash and wave largely overlap; however, thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of wave

Noun

Price gave the non-profit theater, which was part of the first wave of the national regional theater movement in the mid-1960s, a reputation as one of the best venues in the country to develop new American musicals. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025

The attacks on transgender people are intimately tied to the current waves of deportations and the fall of Roe v. Wade, which are part of a larger crackdown on bodily autonomy. —Grace Byron, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025

Verb

Once the fight got to the mat, Mingyang did more damage with ground strikes, leaving the center of the Octagon coated in Smith's blood before referee Jason Herzog waved off the fight. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Per the Associated Press, the raucous audience responded in tandem, lighting flares and proudly waving flags. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing wave

• cold wave