
TsunamiĪ tsunami is an unusually long and large, destructive ocean wave caused by an earthquake, undersea volcanic eruption, earth movement, or other disturbance. CurlĪ curl is a hollow arch of water formed when the crest of a breaking wave spills forward. Undulation is a wavelike motion or the smooth movement up and down or back and forth of waves. Kahuna is a Hawaiian word for a wise, preeminent man, priest, or shaman, but it can also describe a huge wave. It's the rolling swell of the sea, a sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a natural force such as the tide, and a strong, swelling, wavelike volume or body of something. SurgeĪ surge, or tidal surge, is a large sea wave or a sudden, strong, wavelike volume of water. ComberĪ comber is a long, curling ocean wave. BoomerĪ boomer is also an Australian term for a huge wave. Bomboraīombora is an Australian word for a wave that forms over a submerged offshore reef or rock, which often breaks heavily and produces a dangerous stretch of broken water. Surf is the swell of the sea or the mass or line of foam formed by waves breaking on a shallow or sloping seashore or reef. RollerĪ roller is a long, heavy, swelling wave that appears to roll and advance steadily towards the shore. SwellĪ swell is a slow, regular undulating movement of the sea's surface in rolling waves that do not break. BillowĪ billow is a large ocean wave, a surge of the sea, or an undulating mass of something, typically cloud, smoke, or steam.
#BREAK SYNONYM SERIES#
RippleĪ ripple is a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water or other liquid created by a slight breeze or an object dropping into it. BreakerĪ breaker is a heavy or large sea wave breaking or dashing into white foam on the shore. We dove into the world of lexicography and linguistics and found two layers of equivalent meanings in the world's finest dictionaries. So, what are the most common synonyms for the word "wave"? So whenever we need to find an English word to replace it, there is never a long list available.Īnd any time you search for an expression that could be used interchangeably, alternatives are even less appealing. Interestingly, and despite its magical aura, the wave doesn't have many synonyms. They live while they move and die when they break or crash. Waves are a mirror of life - they're only temporary, ephemeral, always mundane, and never eternal.

The goal of an ocean wave is to travel and eventually morph with others to create powerful swells. Actually, they're always on the go and ready to reach their ultimate obstacles.

Nevertheless, we lack alternative words to describe this daily, large-scale phenomenon. Every second of every day, a wave breaks somewhere in the world.
