wax 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of waxnext
1
as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction waxing a surfboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to cream
slang to defeat by a large margin I can't believe I bet on a football team that ended up getting waxed 45-0

Synonyms & Similar Words

wax

2 of 2

verb (2)

1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the commitment of the young volunteers to the cause seems to wax and wane

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality waxed poetic whenever he wrote to his girlfriend

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wax
Verb
On the evening of July 22, a waxing crescent moon would appear to form a broad triangle with Saturn and Spica. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026 In one particularly confessional episode, the Belgian star lavishes his wife with praise while waxing lyrical about his past mistakes. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026 Later, over a poolside lunch, Strong waxed poetic about the feeling of wearing Loro Piana and learning about sailing from Casiraghi, a prolific sailboat racer. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026 Locals wax poetic over the fried shrimp at Domilise’s, a venerable dive open since 1918, and Parkway Bakery and Tavern, a Mid-City institution that offers an excellent slow-roasted beef version with a slathering of gravy. — Jenny Adams, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wax
  1. grease
  2. cream
  3. increase
  4. become
  5. oil
  6. whip
  7. rise
  8. get
Verb
  • Whether they're getting greased after a Super Bowl or spoiling All-Star rosters, does any city's poles get as much attention as Philadelphia's?
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
  • Proponents hope the move – also known as the PhilAtom Law – will boost public trust and grease the wheels of foreign investment.
    — Lorela U. Sandoval, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026
Definition of grease
Verb
  • Clarity is the butter creamed with sugar.
    — Kent Merrell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter.
    — Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2026
Definition of cream
Verb
  • The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • As Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's reported wedding approaches, experts say the ceremony is poised to become much more than a celebrity milestone.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Swift is known for her Fourth of July parties, which have become Rhode Island lore.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Definition of become
Verb
  • Then back by a slightly different route, past more hides and oiled walnut and blued steel.
    — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
  • One of the easiest ways to take care of your nails at home is by oiling them.
    — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 June 2026
Definition of oil
Verb
  • Scotland carried the ball for 13 phases to enter Argentina's 22 and Hutchinson whipped an accurate long pass to Tuipulotu on the right wing who scored untouched.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Olise kept his intentions hidden to the last, shaping up to cross the ball to the back post before sharply turning his hips and whipping his pass into the goalscorer’s path, breaking two defensive lines along the way.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of rise
Verb
  • One thing everyone agrees on, though, is that airfare is likely to keep getting more expensive.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • And the research proves that this type of bias is only getting worse.
    — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of get

Phrases Containing wax

Browse Nearby Words

wavy
wax
waxed
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Cite this Entry

“Wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wax. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wax

Nglish: Translation of wax for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wax

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