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 next

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

Image The missteps of the medical establishment didn’t stop with the first wave. —

Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 Fede Redondo replaced Busquets, Ian Fray replaced Lujan due to an injury, and Picault came in for Segovia in the first wave of substitutions. —

Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2025

Verb

Everyone gives way and waves you respectfully out of junctions in a car as elegant as this one, too. —

Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025 Halftime performer 'banned for life' after waving flags in protest. —

Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave

Noun

The performances led to a swell in interest from rival teams, particularly as the commercial pull of Colapinto became clear thanks to the influx of Argentine sponsors for Williams and F1 itself.

— Luke Smith, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Along with his obesity amd high blood pressure, Henry suffered from painful venous leg ulcers that made his lower limbs swell, and pustules would burst.

— Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025