Thesaurus results for WAVE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wave 1 of 2

noun

Definition of wave

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

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

Udas is among a wave of reform-minded politicians who came to the fore after a popular and violent Gen Z uprising last year toppled the country’s political establishment. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 Unlike some other states, California hasn’t seen an overwhelming wave of new large-scale data centers, nor have state leaders sought moratoriums such as the ones enacted by governors in Texas and New York. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

The witness said another person in a mask appeared, jumped over the counter, and demanded the register while waving a weapon. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 People sip rich hot cocoa and stroll from shop to shop, waving hello to friends and strangers alike as the Christmas tree is lit with bright lights in downtown Parkville. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave

Noun

But Yates' story didn't elicit the same swell of empathy as Lindsay Clancy's has today.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Like a massive ocean swell, which can bear all kinds of flotsam and jetsam ashore, a political wave that is big enough, broad enough and strong enough can carry all manner of unlikely candidates to victory.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of swell

Noun

This week, Nepal saw more than 430 megawatts of power –– enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes –– knocked offline after 12 dams were hit by the surge of floodwaters.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Over the past decade, golf in Portugal has experienced a remarkable surge, with destinations such as the beautiful Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort putting the country firmly on the global golf travel map.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of surge

Verb

Diamondbacks pitching coach Brian Kaplan also grew animated and seemed to gesture toward Berry in the coach’s box.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The president gestured at Nathaniel Rai, a 10-year-old who was rescued from rough surf in Santa Cruz by lifeguard Ryder Williams, who sat across from him in the Oval Office.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

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“Wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wave. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wave

noun

verb

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Synonyms of wave

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing wave

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Out to Sea with 'Wave' and 'Waive'

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