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
Markets also have been wavering from spates of heavy selling of stocks in companies linked to the boom in artificial intelligence. ABC News, 10 June 2026 Chinese tech stocks have wavered this year amid scrutiny of steep AI spending and broader market volatility. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 June 2026
Noun
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 As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers. Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 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
But by the time the Trojans had gotten into the pressures of February, the optimism was wavering. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026 Rarely wavering and never giving up. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
Caroline then, voice wavering and appearing to fight back tears, commemorated the work and life of her late daughter. Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 In the years since appearing on BGT, Boyle has stayed true to her hairstyle, wavering only slightly in length and color. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • When asked which member of the family is the best soccer player, Theo didn't hesitate.
    Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • When an agreement offers nothing to the Iranian people, why would the regime hesitate to intensify its crackdown?
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Enjoy the Games Fortunately, Serrian said, the human mind is pretty good at picking up where less-than-perfect TVs falter.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026
  • Had the 747 project faltered, Boeing would likely have gone down with it.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The rhythm section is downright molten, an understated, earthy sway beneath Davis’ soaring melodies.
    Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
  • Movement through this passage promotes concerns that the Persian Gulf Strait Authority still holds sway in the movement of vessels throughout the strait.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Each time the leaves trembled, the sunlight filtering through them also wavered.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 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
Noun
  • Emergency crews searched Saturday night for a swimmer who went underwater near a popular rock face on a lake in the North Carolina mountains and never resurfaced.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2026
  • New Yorkers loathed Dolan, who was seen as a nepo hire more concerned about fronting his blues rock band, JD & The Straight Shot, than developing a winning culture.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Canada’s first-ever World Cup win was overshadowed yesterday when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left teammates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • In a major rupture, strong shaking could cause severe damage near the fault and in areas built on soft or water-saturated soils, which can amplify shaking.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Amid a wave of pitching injuries, Cabrera walked off the Wrigley Field mound with an athletic trainer Tuesday night, exiting his start against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning of a 5-2 loss to the worst team in the majors.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • On the upcoming flights, the F-15 will be equipped with a shock-sensing probe that will measure the X-59’s shock-wave signature to determine early supersonic performance.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • If costs wobble, choose sturdy materials and skip extras, because reliability brings lasting ease that nourishes home life.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026
  • Yet the definition of what belongs in a stein or wine glass is starting to wobble.
    David Dickstein, Oc Register, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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