wag 1 of 3

as in flap
a quick jerky movement from side to side or up and down the dog gave its tail a single wag before it flopped back down

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wag

2 of 3

noun (2)

wag

3 of 3

verb

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2
3
as in to bob
to make short up-and-down movements the bird's head wagged jerkily as it looked for worms

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 wag
Noun
The instant Shorty stepped inside, there were nonstop tail wags. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 Dogs often show their happiness by wagging their tails, but one owner has learned those joyful wags can get canines into a bit of a predicament. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
These loyal companions love their humans unconditionally, greeting them at the door with a wagging tail or curling up at the foot of the bed, purring gently. Funnyfuzzy Contributor, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 The junior running back, who just finished his season as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, had top-10 programs wagging big-money NIL deals under his nose ahead of his junior year. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wag 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wag
Verb
  • The team’s mascot – Swoop – also played a pivotal role in the parade, standing front and center of the first vehicle in the convoy, arms flapping as the Eaglesmade their way along the streets.
    Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
  • That means, when food is on its way, the juveniles lift their heads above the water line, flap their flippers and, often, spin around in circles.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Students gossiped about Shipps during her time on campus, the older alum said.
    Sara Coello, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Hujar, played by Passages’ Ben Whishaw, and Rosenkrantz, played by Rebecca Hall, kvetch and gossip and discuss everything from food to art to mutual friends to New York City.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Adria squinted into the side of the director’s skull, bobbing up and down in laughter at the studio man’s inaudible joke, drowned out by the engine’s din.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Little ones will love the splash pads and water slide area that’s just their size, and the whole family can bob around in the wave pool.
    Beth Luberecki, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Their productions also include Signs (2002), War Horse (2011), Lincoln (2012), Sully (2016) and the Jason Bourne flicks.
    Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
  • In moments, Anderson saw flames flicking up the side of the house.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Within days, Trump was talking to reporters aboard Air Force One about taking control of the island.
    Adam Price, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Some local speaker will talk on the beauties of Hutchinson as a place to live, a place to trade and a place to visit.
    Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • My desire is stronger for us, even in just this country, to heal, and to talk, and to shake each other’s hands.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Add ice, seal tins and shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • When a fish swims by, the snake twitches its neck, a movement so rapid that it can only be captured on high-speed film.
    Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025
  • In other words, the version of the Democratic Party that got killed in 2024 is still twitching.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The actress complemented the dress with a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps in a similar, though darker, hue.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025
  • After strong objections from the vast majority of community leaders in the south metro, the Minnesota legislature will be pumping the brakes for now on what was known as the ‘missing middle housing’ bills.
    Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wag. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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