quavering 1 of 2

Definition of quaveringnext

quavering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of quaver
as in trilling
to sing with the alternation of two musical tones know-it-alls snickered as the opera singer quavered on the high note

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 quavering
Verb
The governor, Tim Walz, defeated for the Vice Presidency, gets on TV, his voice quavering, saying the right things, speaking the truth, and advising courage. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 The combination of quavering flutes and solemn, unfamiliar corridors is disquieting. Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025 Funke, her voice quavering throughout, recounted the events of the previous night. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025 Her voice quavering with emotion, Pawol talked about getting the news during a Wednesday conference call with director of umpire development Rich Rieker and vice president of umpire operations Matt McKendry. Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quavering
Adjective
  • The partnership aims to develop films and series for loval and international audiences, combining Jio Studios’ distribution reach with Sikhya’s track record in globally resonant storytelling.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Known for blending alt-pop and indie rock with diaristic, emotionally raw songwriting, sombr has quickly built momentum over the past year with a run of globally resonant releases.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Sounds of loud trilling shouts after silent hunts, and singing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The blast furnace of volcanoes has fallen silent, replaced by birdsong trilling from the branches and echoing through a garden of exotic stone.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Authoritative, sonorous and compelling, his is the voice that persuaded millions that the Martians had landed in Grover’s Mills, New Jersey in The War of the Worlds.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The country twang of her Nashville origins has been replaced with sonorous synths, and in the case of Showgirl, a throwback to the retro electric guitar sound of her bestselling 2014 album 1989.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The song may be six minutes long, but the circuitous lope of his acoustic-guitar strum and low throb of his warbling feel eternal, like the type of tune Sisyphus might have hummed to keep himself company.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Today’s Afrobeats may be more melodic, more digital, and more commercial, but its global confidence stands on foundations Fela helped lay.
    Obi Asika, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Ty Dolla Sign is up for his seventh Grammy nomination, this time for melodic rap performance for his collaboration with JID.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The crowds had thinned, a table for lunch at the No Name Saloon was easy to acquire, and the dulcet tones of power tools filled the air as the Chase Sapphire Lounge was dismantled.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Wishing you a week of dulcet tones, giddy resistance, and a thousand pancakes.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Moeller’s music has always balanced beauty with foreboding—dub techno is nothing if not a melodramatic genre—but his newfound rhythmic restraint and beat wizardry feel like a step in a different direction.
    Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Hip-hop artists have long drawn from Fela’s work, recognizing Afrobeat’s rhythmic complexity and ideological power.
    Obi Asika, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Serving alcohol at her location for the adult classes would help make the business more appealing to customers, Burton previously told the Naperville Sun.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The platform also has become more appealing to a younger female demographic with Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce, Garcia said.
    Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quavering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quavering. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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