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 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

As always, Lively wore her fair hair long with soft, brushed out waves, and a sweeping side part that gave her roots some height. —

Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024 Josh Johnson, Melissa Villasenor, Tone Bell, Sophie Buddle, Alec Flynn and Andy Woodhull round out the first wave of the lineup announcement. —

Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Aside from that one moment, where referee Richard Steele waved off the fight at 2:58 of the 12th round of a bout that Taylor would have won on the scorecards vs. Chavez, Taylor had a fine career. —

Josh Katzowitz, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Throughout the episode, Haley's classmates helped out in different segments and waved hello as the camera panned to show their special Today with Hoda & Jenna T-shirts. —

Hannah Sacks, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave

Noun

But while this award was received with a swell of enthusiasm back in West Africa, virtually no one in the U.S. had ever written about him or his family’s astonishing legacy.

Eliot Stein, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2024
Yet, amid this rising swell, Greenland offers a stark contrast.

Avery Schuyler Nunn, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024