waver 1 of 2

waver

2 of 2

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
Related article Hollywood is shaken by Trump’s tariff plan for the movie industry Shares in major filmmakers wavered on Monday as Hollywood tried to digest the implications of a potential tariff, which were not immediately clear. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 Choose to do it at the last minute and might end up wavering in an awkward semi-lunge. Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
As tariff talks continue, geopolitical tensions escalate, and the global economy wavers, investors are gravitating towards store-of-value investments. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 With the hunt underway, the group finds their morality colliding with their survival instincts as their trust in one another wavers. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • Marsch didn’t hesitate to call on the 21-year-old to replace Davies in March.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • When asked to reflect on a moment that stands out from his 5-year tenure (2000-2005), AJ didn’t hesitate.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • With federal support faltering, your role has never been more critical.
    Randy Colman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
  • The effort comes as progress on crypto legislation has faltered.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, progressives held sway on issues like housing, where some of the most restrictive zoning in the country kept resident development stalled even as homelessness and encampments spread.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025
  • The reshuffling came after conservative podcast host and influencer Laura Loomer exerted increasing sway on Trump's decision-making, encouraging Trump to fire two senior officials on the National Security Council after a White House visit.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Many episodes later, as Dedra suffers a crushing setback, Gough performs her attempts to choke back tears and still her trembling hands with an almost violent desperation.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Lydia, who – based on her trembling lips – seems to be in poor health, continues to plead with Lawrence.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The soundtrack is loaded with classic rock and soul, and practically every scene references the films of that era — particularly gritty crime thrillers like Charley Varrick and The Outfit — or period pieces set around the same time.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
  • The trailer begins with footage of Theron in a kayak and rock climbing without a harness before encountering Egerton's character.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 contestant Phoenix's drama with Ice Spice must've stirred too much after the season 3 queen clapped back against the guest judge's Main Stage critiques about her icon status, but the Drag Race OG hopes the rapper isn't too shaken in the aftermath.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 17 May 2025
  • When Unique told Raq that Kanan came to him asking to team up, that shook her.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Furthermore, the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum (FR2), which offers higher bandwidth and throughput, can significantly enhance satellite communications.
    Iri Trashanki, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Goggins made waves recently with a steamy photo shoot for Cultured magazine.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The omission came as Republican support for Martin appeared to wobble.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 7 May 2025
  • After a brisk start to the year, growth is wobbling as businesses and investors hold their breath over President Trump's new tariff salvos and the uncertain tax landscape.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on waver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!