as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
after a moment's wavering, she accepted his proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in irresolute
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hesitating
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
he's still wavering about whether to take the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faltering
to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side
the steel tower wavered for a moment before falling over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wavering
Noun
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Their only hesitation were their concerns for his future.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
26 June 2025 -
These travelers pausing their U.S. visits aren't swearing off the U.S. forever, but their hesitation shows the country's current political actions aren't going unnoticed.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The situation is impossible, irresolute— the B.J. Vineses and priests of the world shouldn’t get to walk away scot free.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The prevailing sense among investors and market handicappers entering the month was to expect choppy, irresolute action full of potential scares.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
12 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Despite his hesitancy about giving up his role, Devers adjusted to being an everyday DH.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Yet investors in recent weeks had shown hesitancy about longer-duration bonds like the 30-year bond, Hughey said.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
The outfit is unsure about the root cause of the problem and has launched an investigation to prevent a similar incident.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
-
Often, players look unsure of team-mates’ positions and can consequently concede possession in dangerous situations.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Though the party may not explicitly endorse such behaviors, its hesitance to denounce them outright can be perceived as tacit approval, alienating voters who value law and order.—
Nafees Alam,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2025
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This is partly a reflection of the collapse of studio interest in newsy documentaries as well as hesitance around a movie that condemns Israeli policies.—
Marc Tracy,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Overall, the challenges highlighted by business leaders included uncertain economic conditions (55 percent), tariffs (41 percent), and revenue and sales growth (41 percent).—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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Now in private practice as co-head of Morrison Foerster’s Securities + Derivatives Regulatory Solutions team and a partner in the firm’s Capital Markets and Broker-Dealer Compliance + Regulation practice groups, Dahiya is in a unique position to help clients navigate complex and uncertain terrain.—
Liane Jackson,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Thrillers work well on TV because episodic television has cliffhangers and pauses built into its structure that actually escalate or elevate the mystery component of a story.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
20 June 2025
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His ability to go both ways prompts a moment of pause from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, and Mbeumo takes the ball onto his weaker right foot and scores across goal.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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One of Willy’s favorite things to do to his characters was to leave them in a conflicted, confused, ambivalent moral impasse about race.—
Benjamin Hale
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
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Though there was much scrutiny in the beginning, Ward added that the network was ambivalent toward the show.—
Rafael Motamayor,
IndieWire,
13 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Wavering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wavering. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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