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

The drone boat has supposedly survived a range of sea states that included waves exceeding five feet in height. —Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026

Dozens of wave riders, bodyboarders and surfers attempted the steep, shallow drop as the peaks formed, some propelling down the building-size waves with expertise, others wiping out to the gasp of spectators who got a front-row seat on the sand to the carnage. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

Verb

After Cape Verde had made history, fans gathered outside the stadium and chanted while waving their country’s flag. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 15 June 2026

Brind'Amour even appeared to wave the white flag by removing goalie Frederik Andersen and replacing him with Bussi. —CBS News, 15 June 2026

Phrases Containing wave

• cold wave