waver 1 of 2

waver

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb waver differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of waver are falter, hesitate, and vacillate. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat.

wavered in his support of the rebels

Where would falter be a reasonable alternative to waver?

While the synonyms falter and waver are close in meaning, falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear.

never once faltered during her testimony

When could hesitate be used to replace waver?

The words hesitate and waver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When would vacillate be a good substitute for waver?

The synonyms vacillate and waver are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

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 waver
Verb
Likewise, Trump’s wavering military support for Ukraine, tariffs on close US allies and threats of annexing Canada and Greenland, have placed unprecedented strains on the Western alliance, while being met with joyful praise in Russia. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 8 May 2025 His mood wavers between disgust and disdain, and his people skills were not improved by nearly dying in an ambush that left one policeman dead and Morck’s partner, Detective Sergeant Hardy (Jamie Sives), in a wheelchair. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
This tool weighs in at 1.24 lbs, which feels light after becoming accustomed to using wavers that are close to 2.5 lbs. Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 2 May 2025 But Woll’s ability to enter a series after the goalie in front of him wavers shouldn’t be discounted. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) hesitated to affirm his support for Schumer’s continued leadership.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
  • Tehran would not hesitate to target all U.S. bases in the region, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • And then, if the team falters, dumping before the Aug. 31 deadline for players to be eligible for postseason rosters?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Even high-performing teams can falter under the burden of shifting priorities and misaligned goals.
    Rahul Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Technology leaders who report to the CEO are more likely to have greater sway in vital digital era strategic and operational decisions.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The Redstone family holds nearly 77% of Paramount’s voting shares, giving the heiress tremendous sway.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Your muscles get tense, your hands are sweaty, your voice starts trembling.
    Aliza Knox, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The nightmares returned after the shooting As Canty sat trembling for three hours in her professor’s podcasting studio at FSU, she was surrounded by friends, classmates and strangers who had been smashed together by the chaotic terror.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The impact vaporized rocks, releasing large quantities of sulfur and dust into the air.
    Tim Vernimmen, JSTOR Daily, 19 June 2025
  • In Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic Elvis, Austin Butler took on the role of the King of rock 'n' roll.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The tragedy shook the small Ohio town — and stunned viewers who remembered the Stockdale family's 2008 appearance on ABC's Wife Swap.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • And beside them, Milford, Weymouth and St. John’s of Shrewsbury also shook off their sub-20 seeding to advance at least once in an all-time showing of parity.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Conquering the Pacer comeback wave feels like the final breakthrough.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The next big wave of digital transformation is being driven by agentic AI.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite so much to cheer about, Thug Life doesn’t hit the high notes, mostly because the writing wobbles badly.
    Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
  • In ordinary times, the scenario of muted inflation and a job market that's starting to wobble would make cutting interest rates — a move that tends to boost the economy, sending prices and job openings higher — an easy decision for any central bank.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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