Synonyms for

Waving

Verb / ˈweɪvɪŋ / Another word for waving — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Moving one's hand or an object back and forth or up and down as a way of greeting or sign of farewell.

Synonyms & similar words

flap flourish wafture wave undulate curl brandish roll beckon gesturing signaling beckoning flapping fluttering swaying swinging shaking nodding saluting hailing greeting motioning sweeping brandishing displaying exhibiting flourishing shimmering twinkling

Synonyms by register

Formal

gesturing signaling beckoning

Informal

flapping shaking waggling

Literary

fluttering undulating billowing

Antonyms

still motionless unmoving static fixed stationary

Common collocations

  • waving goodbye
  • waving hello
  • waving a flag
  • waving a hand
  • waving to someone
  • waving in the wind
  • waving a banner

Word family

noun wave
verb wave
adjective wavy

Usage note

While 'waving' can refer to the movement of a hand, it also describes the undulating motion of things like flags or hair. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. He was waving to his mom from the school bus.
  2. The flag was waving in the wind.
  3. The little girl was waving her arms in excitement.
  4. The conductor was waving his baton to keep the orchestra in time.
  5. She was waving a white flag to signal surrender.

Quotes

  • I can see you waving from the other side. - Adele
  • When the flag is waving, patriotism is in the air. - Unknown
  • The sun is shining and I'm feeling good, and no one's gonna stop me now. I'm waving goodbye to everything bad. - David Guetta

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