waver 1 of 5

Definition of wavernext

waver

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noun (1)

wavering

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noun (2)

wavering

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adjective

wavering

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verb (2)

present participle of waver

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
Adding to the sector's challenges of wavering consumer demand and aggressive new e-commerce competition are macroeconomic shocks hitting production lines. Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 20 May 2026 The cheeky shade names prove Jacobs’s sense of humor hasn’t wavered—think Delulu, No Cap, Blocked and Hot Take. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
This pricing dynamic leaves little margin of safety if confidence wavers. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2026 Bear View: Bears identify a convergence of risks: FTC litigation, challenging tax season comparisons, and elevated valuations creating a significant downside risk should guidance waver. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
In this atmosphere, as ProPublica has reported, there’s been widespread wavering on water fluoridation, even in Michigan, where the treatment debuted more than 80 years ago. Anna Clark, ProPublica, 14 Jan. 2026 Risks to China’s momentum, US reversals and European wavering spell trouble for electric vehicles in the year ahead. Kyle Stock, Bloomberg, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Rarely wavering and never giving up. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026 In his new role, Jejurikar will be tasked with driving sales performance amid a wavering global market. Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
For when the cast and crew’s energy is wavering. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026 That’s why – so far, at least – Iran isn’t wavering. David Goldman, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • But at the last second, Pages pulled up to let Tucker make the catch, and Tucker hesitated before flailing after it.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • While their rivals started spending significant sums of money as soon as the 2024-25 season finished, Spurs wasted a couple of weeks hesitating about the long-term future of then head coach Ange Postecoglou before replacing him with Thomas Frank.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Cimarusti along with his wife and partner Crisi Echiverri cite surging labor and seafood costs, post-pandemic sales drops and shifting habits as ‘middle restaurants’ — between fast-casual and tasting menu destinations — falter.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
  • Everlane's finances have faltered in recent years.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Monetary policy decisions are made by a committee of 12 FOMC members, and while the chair usually has considerable sway, Warsh would need to persuade panel members of the immediate need for rate cuts.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 May 2026
  • Singapore is a global financial hub with particular sway across Southeast Asia, and global financial institutions use the city as a home base for their operations in the region.
    Justin Worland, Time, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Jake became Sai without hesitation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Nerves, doubt, and hesitation are normal and expected at this point in the process.
    Jonathan Carone, Parents, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • In no uncertain terms, the absence of those issues is bewildering, erodes the entire report’s credibility, and demands an explanation.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
  • Rumbello explains that while more people are actively seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals, many remain uncertain about which solutions are credible.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Right now, Taylor said, both sides are hesitating.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Walgreens isn’t hesitating to close stores in parts of Chicago where theft is frequent and there are legitimate concerns about the safety of employees and customers.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • But now, as the public understands the consequences of our faltering democracy, more people are talking about it, Drutman said.
    Mary Ellen Klas, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
  • Tangent The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board specifically calls out declining pandemic preparedness funding as a result of faltering political attention.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Yet despite a certain air of inevitability, the Democratic Party’s movers and shakers are trembling at the prospect of another Harris run.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 21 May 2026
  • Logic, curated by decades of precedent, suggested the 22-year-old might tremble at the growl of the aggressive, experienced Wolves.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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