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
Discover the full show and witness fashion’s next wave of talent shaping the industry today. —Kayla Rivera, AJC.com, 19 May 2026 There's plenty of wave energy in the ocean, but creating scalable systems that can use this energy to generate electricity has proven difficult. —New Atlas, 19 May 2026
Verb
Hundreds of spectators gathered along Ocean Boulevard dressed in rainbow tutus, dresses and shirts, whooping and waving as the Long Beach Pride parade rolled past Sunday morning. —Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 Visibly tired but smiling, the 27-year-old singer arrived at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport waving the Eurovision trophy. —ABC News, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
  1. swell
  2. motion
  3. surge
  4. gesture
Noun
  • The swell of political dissatisfaction with Starmer from many of his colleagues, and what appears to be his narrow escape from an immediate leadership challenge, provides the impetus for the government to revamp its legislative agenda.
    — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 13 May 2026
  • The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Another incident identified by police allegedly occurred on March 27, when Berrios-Otero allegedly motioned for a 4-year-old child to sit on his lap and directed him to get a blanket, according to the warrant affidavits.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Referee Kelly Sutherland immediately ruled it a legal goal and motioned to say Hunt pushed the Avs captain into his own goalie.
    — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Definition of motion
Noun
  • This flooding becomes even worse if accompanied by heavy rain or direct storm surge.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
  • For producer Pedro Krull at Aguda Cinema, the project is emblematic of a wider regional surge, with the company positioning itself as a creative incubator for emerging Alagoas voices.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 May 2026
Definition of surge
Verb
  • Gray shook his head in mock frustration and gestured at his phone as the call went to Johansson’s voicemail.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • This likely created new evolutionary pressure for specialized hand use during tasks such as carrying objects, manipulating tools, or gesturing.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 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 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Nglish: Translation of wave for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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