waver 1 of 2

waver

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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
For me, my palate wavers, but my favorite ingredient combinations often showcase some kind of cheese. Cathy Thomas, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a few wavers up and down. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
Record-shattering heat, billion-dollar storms and rising seas are unfolding as political pushback, misinformation and wavering international agreements threaten to stall climate progress. Elisabeth Brier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Breaking up Minnesota’s consistency Even after going down in the first quarter, Minnesota never wavered. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • The Bears quarterback didn't hesitate to offer some self-criticism in his postgame remarks either.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Look for Maker’s Marks While at the thrift store, don’t hesitate to turn an item over to inspect it further.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Max Verstappen's victories in the last two Grands Prix have brought him back into the championship fight, although the 69-point gap to Piastri can only be achieved if McLaren falters on every race weekend.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Years later, Rick Ankiel, a Cardinals pitcher, could no longer throw strikes—yet, when he was moved to the outfield, his accuracy rarely faltered from a greater distance.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The executive branch has historically had large sway in using its spending powers during a shutdown, which led Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine more Democrats to join their GOP colleagues in voting to keep the government open.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Feelings sometimes have more sway than facts.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the elevator of the Associated Press Building at Rockefeller Plaza, Sunny’s brows trembled.
    Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But then the cheers from his fans would begin, and Hogan would tremble with energy.
    John DeVore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The red planet owes its distinctive hue to an oxidizing process that rusts iron present in the rocks and dust of Mars.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Beyoncé only fueled this idea by dressing as funk-rock diva Betty Davis for Halloween.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After 30 minutes or so, pause the machine, remove the comforter, and shake it out before adding it back to the drum, continuing the process until the bedding is fully dry.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The earthquake shook at a depth of just 3 miles, with its epicenter approximately 10 miles south of Trona.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Utting believes a glut is on its way starting in 2030 and lasting until 2035 or so—right when VG is largely finished ramping up its incredible wave of growth.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Its millimeter wave radar detects and tracks targets through weather.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Part of the pleasure is how the rayographs wobble between metaphor and utensil, abstraction and figuration.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The rotating fan clicked, wobbled, and turned the other way.
    Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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