Abstract: Techniques for identifying a wake word by a device that is also playing audio content at the same time are described herein. For example, a device may execute playback of an audio file with a corresponding first variable wave form. The device may receive a second variable wave form that includes the first variable wave form and additional audio. In embodiments, a latency value may be identified based on comparing amplitudes and frequencies of portions of the first variable wave form and the second variable wave form. The second variable wave form may be modified by applying the latency value and inverting the second variable wave form with respect to the first variable wave form. The modified variable wave form may be merged with the first variable wave form to generate a merged variable wave form. A particular audio signal may be identified in the merged variable wave form.