1
2
as in to cream
slang
to defeat by a large margin
I can't believe I bet on a football team that ended up getting waxed 45-0
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the commitment of the young volunteers to the cause seems to wax and wane
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 wax
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
There is arguably no other destination that evokes such a fantasy, having been glamorized in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley and waxed on poetically by authors like John Steinbeck.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
Beneath his shoes, the gray concrete floor shined from years of being waxed by hand.
—Literary Hub
july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
To find the Golden Handle, look for the waxing gibbous moon hanging above the southern horizon as the sun sets on June 5, shining among the stars of the constellation Libra.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for wax
Verb
Populations can wax and wane, depending on the year, says Joseph.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
There is arguably no other destination that evokes such a fantasy, having been glamorized in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley and waxed on poetically by authors like John Steinbeck.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
Beneath his shoes, the gray concrete floor shined from years of being waxed by hand.
—Literary Hub
july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
To find the Golden Handle, look for the waxing gibbous moon hanging above the southern horizon as the sun sets on June 5, shining among the stars of the constellation Libra.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for wax
Cite this Entry
“Wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wax. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share