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
• teeter
• balance
• pause
• 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
• quiver
• teeter
• stumble
• flounder
• quake
• stagger
• toddle
• quaver
• reel
• weave
• careen

waver

2 of 2

noun

as in sway

Related 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

His team struggled in the first half but the self-believe didn’t waver. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Usually hidden by the glare of our star, the ethereal corona and its pale, wavering streams of plasma are shaped by the sun’s magnetic field. — Claire Cameron & Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Ocando advises looking for a waver with adjustable temperature settings, ceramic or ionic barrels, and a grip on the top of the tool, which gives you better control while styling. — Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026

When those practitioners are taken away from patients, our pluck and determination waver. — Mindy Uhrlaub, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026