waves 1 of 2

Definition of wavesnext
plural of wave
as in swells
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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waves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wave

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
Noun
Financially dependent on her parents throughout her youth and confused by waves of calm or small kindnesses, Gross wrestled with distancing herself for some time before cutting contact with her parents and brothers as an adult. Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 The lapping waves that arrive shortly thereafter are an alarming detour, but their presence quickly feels normal. Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026 The damage is reverberating across Iran’s economy, threatening increasing waves of layoffs, even as Iranians face skyrocketing prices. Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Chakram’s highly efficient detonation process Unlike conventional rocket engines, which harness deflargration, RDREs leverage the rapid energy release of supersonic detonation waves that rotate around an engine’s circular body. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 The planting of mangroves, which have solid roots that help to mitigate the impact of heavy waves and prevent the flow of trash from inland to the sea, is a priority for the Fiji government, along with coral replanting. Michelle Duff, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026 On a rainy morning the vistas are wild and windswept, both sea and sky taking on leaden hues; on a sunny afternoon, the blue waves roll towards the land in hypnotic lines, merging into the sky. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 Deadline on Monday launched the stand-alone streaming site for Contenders Television, its showcase of the series, stars and creators making waves this awards season. The Deadline Team, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 The damage is reverberating across Iran’s economy, threatening increasing waves of layoffs, even as Iranians face skyrocketing prices. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar waves a Hungarian flag after delivering his victory speech in Budapest on Sunday. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026 At the end of the video, Williams proposes to Laufey as her guest stars watch on with vacant expressions — even as the Grammy winner waves her hands in front of their faces. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 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 The snowy-haired Scot waves me into the passenger seat of his Can-Am Traxter with a huge grin and navigates us through the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town, famously anchored by mainland Britain’s most remote pub, the Old Forge. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026 Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand. Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 11 Feb. 2026 Dancer Natalie Reid approaches to take the barstool beside her, but Swift waves her away because the seat is reserved for her stone. Bryan West, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Altman almost waves away these grim tolls as an inevitable consequence of the product’s popularity. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waves
Noun
  • Less than a day earlier, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen had been plucked from 3-foot swells by helicopters and transported them roughly one mile to the USS Murtha.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Only the swells from the clusters of UConn fans could be heard by the end of their 71-62 victory in the national semifinals.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These artists’ success signals a growing appetite abroad for Asian entertainment – most evident in the popularity of K-pop, with megastar groups like BTS and Blackpink drawing in Western audiences while blending contemporary beats with traditional Korean culture.
    Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The announcement signals a potential diplomatic breakthrough after the prospect of further peace negotiations between the warring powers appeared to stall out earlier this week.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Waves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waves. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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