quavering 1 of 2

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
Adjective
Unmoored from tradition and offering only vague, impressionistic lyrics, Granli’s quavering performances on Rosacea become Rorschach tests, ripe for free association with whatever images your psyche can dredge up. H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Tiny Silver was a birdlike woman, either very young or very old, quavering. Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Softly so as not to drown out the quavering notes, the congregation put words to the melody. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 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
  • Meanwhile, Burberry unveiled a hyper-British, globally resonant campaign, A Good Sport, leaning on a cast of national and international names.
    Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • According to the band, Marrow Deep explores those themes through some of the most emotionally resonant and adventurous music of its career.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm Campground This trail almost entirely follows the coast for 7 miles, with a soundtrack of lapping waves, trilling loons, and the occasional outboard motor.
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 7 June 2026
  • In a now-viral clip, Carpenter overheard someone from the crowd trilling during her set for Weekend 1 and asked if the audience member was yodeling.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Assuming the role of a human clapper, Holzinger struck its lip again and again, sending a sonorous peal across the Biennale grounds.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
  • In addition to his film, TV and theater work, Yun has also narrated a ton of Korean documentaries over the years thanks to his sonorous voice.
    Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Nine’s creaking, warbling cadence makes for a Thug/Carti hybrid that’s distinct but still close enough to be familiar and palatable.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
  • 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
  • The double bass became both the heartbeat and the guide of jazz, supporting the ensemble while adding its own rhythmic and melodic voice.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026
  • Supported by piano, bass and drums, the quartet blended jazz, soul and groove-driven improvisation, with Tillotson’s rich voice and melodic flute lines creating a distinctive sound.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • The enchanting woodsy and pastoral backgrounds when the action moves from the residential suburbs to the rural outskirts add to that poignancy, as do the dulcet tones of Randy Newman’s score.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Wishing you a week of dulcet tones, giddy resistance, and a thousand pancakes.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The microphones pick up the rhythmic thwack of leather on leather as Zizou executes a series of short passes with teammates.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • There is the rhythmic, at times monotonous pattern of the minor-league baseball season.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Trader Joe’s pops this corn in a mixture of coconut and sunflower oil; coconut oil results in an airier and fluffier quality than popular alternatives like canola oil, while sunflower oil contributes an appealing crispiness.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • The coastal setting is so appealing that all of the accommodations at the luxury resort include private balconies for enjoying ocean views.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quavering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quavering. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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