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

But for the industry's women, that trend is more often an oscillating wave than an upward trajectory, as audiences tire of starlets, shove them aside, then rediscover them for a brief moment only to punish them for aging out of the ever-datable 20-45 range. —

Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 Its waste and discharge systems weren’t designed to meet polar code, its helicopter pad is in the wrong place to launch rescue operations and its rear deck is easily swamped by big waves. —

Mckenzie Funk, ProPublica, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

Kardashian showcased her robot waving, dancing and forming heart-hands with her. —

Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 Some Palestinians waved Hamas flags ahead of the release. —

Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wave

Noun

Fans desperate to see the game – and other big names, including Mike Tyson and LL Cool J – attempted to break through double doors that opened inward as opposed to swinging outward, and a massive crowd swell rushed toward the entrance.

— Tracy Wright, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025
Musk, who has become a key adviser to Trump, saw the largest swell of his net worth, which grew almost $21 billion in the day after the election.

— Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025