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

Examples of wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The tool works for every hair texture to automatically create effortless curls and waves that will lock in place all day long. —

Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 Styled by hairstylist Marissa Marino with a center parting and tousled waves, the cut skimmed Selena’s collarbones. —

Hannah Coates, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

After another wobbly step and another hyperextension, Clark began waving for trainers and dropped to the Alamodome turf. —

Greg Luca, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Oct. 2024 Three dozen people waving Palestinian flags and welcome signs cheered as a 4-year-old boy and his mother entered baggage claim at Logan Airport. —

Steph Solis, Axios, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wave

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.