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

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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
Occasionally, historians of the British film industry can wax understandably nostalgic for this period, when public funding, via the BBC, could be channelled toward such edgy and experimental projects and their creators. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 Instead of high fashion and high heels, waxed Barbour jackets, jeans, Birkenstocks and Blundstones are the unofficial uniform. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 The state’s film industry has waxed and waned through the years, facing competition from nearby states and funding shifts. — Eva Flowe august 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Mikael Wood waxed on Parton’s storytelling prowess in her music. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 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
  • Lightly grease a 9-inch cake pan with vegetable oil and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Using mayonnaise in the filling—and to grease the pan—instead of traditional schmaltz or olive oil helps ensure the kugel bakes off moist, rich, and crisp—never dry or greasy.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of grease
Verb
  • The two dishes that have remained on its menu are its the lumache alla norcina (Barham’s sausage with mushrooms, white wine and cream $23) and the spicy vodka radiatori (creamy stracciatella and Parmesan for $21).
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
  • This time the Panthers surpassed that point total in a single game, but lost anyway because their defense got creamed.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of cream
Verb
  • Contributions would increase depending on family size, with a family of four expected to pay $500,000, officials said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Europe in particular appears vulnerable to increasing borrowing costs, with inflation in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all exceeding analysts’ expectations.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • The streamer is part of Bell Media, and company President Sean Cohan is backing Canadian producers to produce the next Heated Rivalry as Canadian content becomes hot international property.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Turek became a politician four years ago after a long career in helping Medicaid patients navigate the system to obtain durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of become
Verb
  • Lightly oil your hands and punch down dough, then transfer to prepared pan.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • To do so, place the slices in a nonstick or lightly oiled skillet over low to medium-low heat and cover the pan.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of oil
Verb
  • My opponent should be condemning political violence, not whipping it up.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In whipping rain and wind in New Jersey, the New York Giants held on for a 12-7 win in their first game since quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Inflation in India has been rising for 10 straight months, while economic growth has remained strong despite external challenges.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Regulatory concerns began to rise, with growing uncertainty that Netflix would be able to close its deal in short order.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rise
Verb
  • As the day winds down, get cozy in the living room for a game of cards and a glass of South African wine, or watch the sun set from the stone terrace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wax

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wax

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