wag 1 of 3

Definition of wagnext
as in flap
a quick jerky movement from side to side or up and down the dog gave its tail a single wag before it flopped back down

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wag

2 of 3

noun (2)

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as in to bob
to make short up-and-down movements the bird's head wagged jerkily as it looked for worms

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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 wag
Noun
These pre-conditions to talks were discussed at the EFL meeting, which just so happened to be held in The Belfry’s Masters Suite, or, as one wag put it, the room whose door is always open. Matt Slater, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026 Upon the occasion of his seventh block, Ejiofor rolled back downcourt giving the crowd a Dikembe Mutumbo-esque finger wag. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
Dogs being hurried out of the apartment building by their owners wagged their tails, excited by the commotion. Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2026 These statements and actions, some conservatives said at the time in a finger-wagging tone, demonstrated that mass suicide at the feet of a power-mad dictator was the predictable result of radical left-wing politics. James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wag
Noun
  • This version has a removable belt for a customizable fit, a storm flap and back vent for breathability, and multiple pockets for keeping essentials close by.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The best testing locations include the underside of the base, the inside of a flap, the back of a strap, and a low section near a seam.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Grown-up Jokes • Paul Baker’s friends include Roach, who’s played by the comedian Will Sennett.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan stars as the titular character, while Johnston plays her brutally honest sister, Carol.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As if to signal this iteration hasn’t completely deviated from its roots, in the show’s opening moments, Deborah Wayne coolly flicks the iconic flip-up frames made famous by Hardison’s Dwayne.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Over two hours away through miles of dense forest, before any stadium lights flicked on in Summit at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Nolan’s coaches and teammates found several ways to remember their promising recruit Thursday.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hollywood is gossiping that her current paramour Scooter Braun looks like her past fiancé — Jonathan Davino.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The last time the men did a show together was July 26, gossiping about everyone from Ariana Grande to Giulana Rancic.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But the calm day gave way to terror when her uncle again looked out into the ocean and saw Summer’s head bobbing in and out of the water.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • And when the sun is shining, that also means the water’s sparkling, sailboats are bobbing, and seagulls are cawing.
    Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • His skating is very good, showing the quick-twitch first step and speed of top NHL forwards.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • However, the quick-twitch reaction caused stress on his elbow.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the chief executive said Hilton's middle- and upper-middle segments have swung from posting negative numbers to growing at rates as high as 6%.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Slingshot surges forward as the tach swings toward redline, the exhaust emitting a guttural howl.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For those who take pride in their pouty lips (or their ability to talk their way out of just about anything), a swipe of lipstick and nothing else is a cool way to look put together without the hustle of actually putting yourself together.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Despite 40-plus years of dazzling red-carpet moments—and two decades since becoming the first Arab designer on the official Paris haute couture calendar—in real life Elie Saab is still more comfortable letting his runway do the talking for him.
    Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wag. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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