Synonyms of waver

waver 1 of 2

verb

ˈwā-vər 

1

as in to hesitate

to show uncertainty about the right course of action

he's still wavering about whether to take the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitate
• falter
• vacillate
• stagger
• dither
• scruple
• wait
• halt
• debate
• hang back
• wabble
• teeter
• pause
• balance
• wobble
• sway
• linger
• shilly-shally
• delay
• haw
• ponder
• procrastinate
• dawdle
• oscillate
• hem
• weigh
• back down
• chicken (out)
• deliberate
• equivocate
• consider
• waffle
• hedge
• pussyfoot
• dally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• stir
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• budge
• advance

2

as in to falter

to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side

the steel tower wavered for a moment before falling over

Synonyms & Similar Words

• falter
• tremble
• shake
• wobble
• shudder
• rock
• totter
• vibrate
• lurch
• wabble
• quiver
• teeter
• stumble
• flounder
• quake
• stagger
• toddle
• quaver
• reel
• weave
• careen

waver

2 of 2

noun

as in sway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sway
• rock
• wave
• oscillation
• swing
• switch
• wag
• flutter
• whisk
• whip
• flap
• waggle
• swish
• twitch
• wiggle
• shake
• jolt
• jerk
• flick
• bob
• nod
• jiggle
• snap

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

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