wilder

verb

wil·​der ˈwil-dər How to pronounce wilder (audio)
wildered; wildering; wilders

transitive verb

1
archaic : to lead astray
2
archaic : bewilder, perplex

intransitive verb

archaic : to move at random : wander
wilderment noun archaic

Examples of wilder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The crack of the rifle made the dogs wilder than ever. Carl T. Johnson, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2025 In other words, the wilder the market, the more stable this fund’s payout gets. Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 For something even wilder, head to Moreton Island, a national park of towering sand dunes and quiet beaches. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025 In the first half of the race, Cavalieri battled to stay ahead of Walker Spinrad, a recent Tekno signee whose driving grew wilder as his veteran competitor hit his stride. William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wilder

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from wilderness

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wilder was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wilder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wilder. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Wilder 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Wil·​der ˈwī(-ə)l-dər How to pronounce Wilder (audio)
Billy 1906–2002 born Samuel Wilder American (Polish-born) filmmaker

Wilder

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Laura Ingalls 1867–1957 née Laura Ingalls American author

Wilder

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

Thornton Niven 1897–1975 American author

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