waver 1 of 2

Definition of wavernext

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
The foundation of making our children our priority has never wavered. Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026 For years, the Dolphins front office wavered between being a big, physical team built around the draft to a small, fast team built in free agency. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
The European Central Bank is offering liquidity to other central banks, reinforcing euro diplomacy as trust in the US financial system wavers. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 18 Feb. 2026 In season two, based on the nine of 15 total episodes provided to critics, the restraint wavers and the balance begins to tilt. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • Mazzulla, who’s trumpeted the Celtics depth at every turn this season, shouldn’t hesitate to use it if his starters stumble on Saturday.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
  • That level of detail can make even cautious people hesitate.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The merger, announced about a year ago, faltered for several reasons.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Most of that was driven by faltering corporation tax receipts.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • But the bills didn’t have support from law enforcement, which wields significant sway in the Capitol.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
  • No judges, no editorial sway, just the crowd’s consensus.
    Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The simulation is so immersive that windows, shaped like those of a plane, show drifting clouds as the room trembles with faux turbulence.
    Chris Malloy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
  • This level of exercise includes shoulder stabilization through a downward dog series, the core engaged in boat pose, and legs that work hard enough to tremble during chair pose.
    William Jones, Ascend Agency, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And one host nodding gravely as if a moon rock just offered insight on tax policy.
    Larry Clifton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
  • The Sinnott Overlook, located on a rock ledge behind the Rim Visitor Center, has an indoor exhibit room and open balcony for lake views.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Abel made the rounds across the floor, stopping at each booth to greet employees and shake hands with shareholders.
    Yun Li,Alex Harring,Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Bake until lemon curd is set but still jiggles slightly when gently shaken, 18–24 minutes.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Financially dependent on her parents throughout her youth and confused by waves of calm or small kindnesses, Gross wrestled with distancing herself for some time before cutting contact with her parents and brothers as an adult.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • When the Fontainebleau Hotel faced a skeptical city board and a wave of community opposition to a plan to add water slides to its pool deck, the hotel’s billionaire owner pushed successfully for a change to state law to move the project forward.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Now, though, the wheels are starting to wobble.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Upon your arrival, staffers on the ground floor usher you into elevators that whisk you up 55 stories, the doors opening to knee-wobbling views of the city and the Singapore Strait.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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