wave 1 of 2

noun

Definition of wavenext
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

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wave

2 of 2

verb

ˈwāv How to pronounce wave (audio)
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

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

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 wave
Noun
Goldman is also well positioned to capitalize on the market volatility fueled by higher interest rates, while an eventual end to the Iran war could unleash another wave of mergers and acquisitions and IPOs. — Alexa Lomonaco,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Our bow went up on the first wave with a lurch that threw Ed halfway out of his seat. — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
Court documents state that multiple people saw Flores waving the machete and talking to himself. — Logan Hall, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Leo had walked into Rome's Gemelli hospital through the main entrance earlier in the day and waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him. — Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
  1. swell
  2. motion
  3. surge
  4. gesture
Noun
  • California did not experience any rain or wind before massive swells overtook Laguna Beach, where a portion of the PCH remains closed as sections crack and slide down toward the ocean.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Surf was even less accessible, dependent on coastline and a lucky swell.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Tight end John Bates lined up out wide to the far side, motioning to hurry up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • On the touchdown, the senior motioned to the field side to be a second slot receiver.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of motion
Noun
  • The frontman said he was humbled by the action and was touched to spend time with members of the Minneapolis community who worked on the front lines during the ICE surge.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There was an expectation that Texas quarterback Arch Manning would parlay his late surge last year into a masterful 2026 season that’d rank him near the top of every draft board in spring.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of surge
Verb
  • Prescott then can be seen speaking to Cowboys security and gesturing toward the other man.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The league on Monday suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona’s Trey McBride and referee Adrian Hill for one game for yelling and gesturing at Minnesota’s Eric Wilson.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of gesture

Phrases Containing wave

Browse Nearby Words

watery
wave
wave (aside or off)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wave

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