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
Kelvin waves are a typical feature of El Niño, says Severine Fournier, an ocean circulation researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 High tides will result in flooding along coastal trails, cut off access to some low-lying beaches and coastal areas, and bring water and waves farther up the beach than typical. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Cassity Garduque, 14, waved as her mom in her sailor uniform frantically waved back from the top deck. — Julie Watson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 All four were out of their capsule within an hour, waving and pumping their fists in the air aboard SpaceX's recovery ship. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave
  1. swell
  2. motion
  3. surge
  4. gesture
Noun
  • Mentions of data centers have, predictably, shot up across all three networks in recent months as political backlash against AI swells and the data centers themselves have become a salient issue ahead of the midterms.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Its San Diego office said Sunday morning would carry the highest flooding risks along the Orange and San Diego coasts as swells, onshore winds and high tides combine.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • On the touchdown, the senior motioned to the field side to be a second slot receiver.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The shotgun snap bounced off Tre Harris as the receiver motioned across the formation.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of motion
Noun
  • Forecasters issued a hurricane warning and a storm surge warning for portions of the northern gulf coast.
    — MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That the current surge in antisemitism is so prevalent in the United States should weigh heavily on our national conscience.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of surge
Verb
  • The Israelis squinted for a few moments and gestured others over.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wave

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