Synonyms of wave

wave 1 of 2

noun

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

• swell
• surge
• tsunami
• billow
• ripple
• surf
• curl
• sea(s)
• breaker
• roller
• wavelet
• whitecap
• comber
• riffle
• ground swell
• tidal wave

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

• motion
• gesture
• signal
• flag
• beckon
• nod
• sign
• tell
• inform
• shrug
• gesticulate
• signalize
• flourish
• mime
• advise
• pantomime
• relate
• acquaint

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

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

Guthrie's son Charley could also be seen waving to his mom on the monitor and helping his sister put her mic on for the interview. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

There’s no reason to wave the white flag, but the Canucks have to seize this opportunity to do the right thing, and at the very least, recognize their positioning and prioritize using the trade deadline to load up for next season accordingly. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing wave

• cold wave