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
The race begins in waves at the starting point in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and takes runners through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 The renovations will happen in waves and be completed by mid-2027. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
So how come those disagreements were waved away by Josh, Malone and Booth during an end-of-season news conference last May? —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025 Hollywood has never been shy about mixing brash nationalism with over-the-top violence, a tendency best displayed in The Patriot when Mel Gibson rallies the Continental Army troops by waving a Betsy Ross flag, then uses that same flag to gore Jason Isaacs’s horse. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
  1. swell
  2. motion
  3. surge
  4. gesture
Noun
  • Gone is the standard swell of the bat as it’s replaced with more wood in the barrel shifted closer to the hands.
    — Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Imagine the swell of pride if Mr. Gretzky made such a gesture, Mr. Prete said.
    — John Branch, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Correa noticed López motioning toward his leg during a walk of Jonathan India and immediately went to the mound for a visit.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • After hitting a three-pointer, Morant motioned his arms to that of a large gun.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of motion
Noun
  • Several Asian countries, including Vietnam, South Korea and Taiwan, have also seen trade flows to the US surge since Trump’s first term.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • At the time, a Trader Joe’s representative responded to the steep price surge in a statement to PEOPLE.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of surge
Verb
  • Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing gestures as earthquake survivors gather in the compound of a hospital in Naypyidaw on March 28, 2025, after an earthquake in central Myanmar.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The incident was captured on video by a fellow passenger and shows a man aggressively gesturing and yelling at the man sitting behind him.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
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 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Nglish: Translation of wave for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wave

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