tidal wave

noun

Synonyms of tidal wavenext
1
a
: an unusually high sea wave that is triggered especially by an earthquake
b
: an unusual rise of water alongshore due to strong winds
2
: something overwhelming especially in quantity or volume
a tidal wave of tourists

Examples of tidal wave in a Sentence

a tidal wave of emotion
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
European leaders have adopted a more aggressive stance to shield native businesses from a tidal wave of Chinese imports, which policymakers have blamed for deep job losses among European automakers and other sectors. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026 This dislodges an ice shelf the size of Maryland (nicknamed Judy) and sets it on a collision course with the coast of Norway—a disaster that would see massive tidal waves destroying much of the European coast. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026 Now, more hiring managers are confronting the tidal wave of job candidates with their own AI tools. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 The road here has been a long one marked by a tidal wave of industry opposition, a bruising legal fight, and threats by Paramount CEO David Ellison to exit Hollywood and relocate Paramount to another state. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tidal wave

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of tidal wave was in 1830

Rhymes for tidal wave

See All Rhymes for tidal wave

Browse Nearby Words

tidal water
tidal wave
tidbit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tidal wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tidal%20wave. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tidal wave

noun
1
: an unusually high sea wave that is triggered especially by an earthquake
2
: an unusual rise of water alongshore due to strong winds

More from Merriam-Webster on tidal wave

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tidal wave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tidal wave

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