as in motions
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture
waved them over to the side of the road
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 waves
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2026
Officials said conditions deteriorated rapidly as strong winds and heavy waves developed, creating hazardous conditions for boaters.
—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a public rally in Mashhad, Iran March 21, 2023.
—
Emma Graham,
CNBC,
4 July 2026
Beach waves run the gamut from tight and coiled to long and easy, all depending on your hair type.
—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
4 July 2026
In downtown Miami, a new burger spot near the FIFA Fan Festival has been getting waves of hungry fans, even on weekdays.
—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
Standard sonar often fails in shallow waters, while cameras are blinded by shifting sands and the simple distortion of rolling ocean waves.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
Early on, news of the casino’s construction caused waves of controversy across Sonoma County — some of which resulted in death threats against Sarris’ life.
—
Maddie Connors,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
The Montauk surfing scene took off in the 1960s, when pros and amateurs descended on the area for what are said to be the best waves on the East Coast and became part of the landscape.
—
Mike Albo,
Curbed,
23 June 2026
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
24 June 2026
Not to the American fan who calls it soccer, waves the flag and doesn't apologize for loving his country.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Daddy Yankee waves the Puerto Rican flag on a float during the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 14.
—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 10 feet were possible on some coasts of the Philippines.
—
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Rolling often waves to his regulars from the wheelhouse, and recently passengers have started recognizing him, too — and not just for captaining their commute.
—
Julia Press,
Bloomberg,
22 May 2026
Ben-Gvir waves a large Israeli flag and tells the detainees.
—
Nick Duffy,
NBC news,
20 May 2026
Then Boyd waves to a man passing the DJ booth window.
—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Based on the Tacoma pickup, the midsize 4Runner still waves the flag for the traditional SUV fans who want real off-road performance.
—
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
This stretch is a favorite among travelers, with rolling hills giving way to stunning shorelines near San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, where waves, beaches, and palm trees line the route.
—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2026
Officials said conditions deteriorated rapidly as strong winds and heavy waves developed, creating hazardous conditions for boaters.
—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a public rally in Mashhad, Iran March 21, 2023.
—
Emma Graham,
CNBC,
4 July 2026
Beach waves run the gamut from tight and coiled to long and easy, all depending on your hair type.
—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
4 July 2026
In downtown Miami, a new burger spot near the FIFA Fan Festival has been getting waves of hungry fans, even on weekdays.
—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
Standard sonar often fails in shallow waters, while cameras are blinded by shifting sands and the simple distortion of rolling ocean waves.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
Early on, news of the casino’s construction caused waves of controversy across Sonoma County — some of which resulted in death threats against Sarris’ life.
—
Maddie Connors,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
The Montauk surfing scene took off in the 1960s, when pros and amateurs descended on the area for what are said to be the best waves on the East Coast and became part of the landscape.
—
Mike Albo,
Curbed,
23 June 2026
Verb
Paula waves off a call from Geri about next steps and settles in to make guacamole.
—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
24 June 2026
Not to the American fan who calls it soccer, waves the flag and doesn't apologize for loving his country.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Daddy Yankee waves the Puerto Rican flag on a float during the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 14.
—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 10 feet were possible on some coasts of the Philippines.
—
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Rolling often waves to his regulars from the wheelhouse, and recently passengers have started recognizing him, too — and not just for captaining their commute.
—
Julia Press,
Bloomberg,
22 May 2026
Ben-Gvir waves a large Israeli flag and tells the detainees.
—
Nick Duffy,
NBC news,
20 May 2026
Then Boyd waves to a man passing the DJ booth window.
—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Based on the Tacoma pickup, the midsize 4Runner still waves the flag for the traditional SUV fans who want real off-road performance.
—
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waves
Noun
-
Options for activities include paddleboarding and chasing Arctic swells in the fjords, sailing through sea cliffs and the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and spotting whales, seals, Arctic foxes, and more wildlife.
-
The greatest threat of those swells are to beaches that face the southwest.
Verb
-
Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward.
Verb
-
The goal is to make the stomach able to hold more food before the brain signals that the competitive eater is full.
-
The move signals clear premium intent, reinforcing craftsmanship, scarcity and elevated price architecture.
Cite this Entry
“Waves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waves. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
