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
Infantino has not wavered on Iran’s participation in the World Cup or in its matches in the United States. Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 But even in those final months with an exit door looming and Denmark slipping into successive losses, Jeglertz never wavered in his character. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
This pricing dynamic leaves little margin of safety if confidence wavers. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 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 However, the projections being made insinuate some potential wavering on his side. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Adjective
And while plans in baseball are subject to change, the Tigers do not appear to be wavering, not even after a dramatic turn of events on one of the more noteworthy days in club history. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 5 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 locals, however, the focus has been on quickly picking up the pieces, without wavering in their welcoming spirit. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2026 Despite some online commentators with large followings publicly disagreeing with the president's decision—and many legacy media outlets eagerly highlighting their comments to try and sow division—the MAGA base is not wavering one bit. Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Adjective
  • The team now plans to further refine the method for broader industrial applications where robots must operate under uncertain or changing conditions.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
  • In March, Beijing set its lowest growth target in decades, as the world’s second-largest economy grapples with weak domestic demand and an uncertain global outlook.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Where Trump is unrelenting and single-minded, the justices have been inconsistent and unpredictable, and therefore appear irresolute.
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
  • Downtown, in his studio at the corner of White and Cortlandt Alley, on a Thursday evening in late July, Wyeth sat on his stool and considered the irresolute underpainting on his canvas.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Like many students, Headley is now left in limbo, unsure how finals will be submitted or graded.
    Tori Mason, CBS News, 8 May 2026
  • The Mets are unsure if his hip led to decreased velocity.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Each hippo has its own habitat, but the animals have been introduced at a distance and seem ambivalent toward one another for now.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
  • Silicon Valley has been too ambivalent about American power for the first quarter of this century.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • How seriously the club’s owners at Fenway Sports Group (FSG) take this next transfer window will potentially determine how quickly this faltering team get back on track.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • His paintings became increasingly concerned with nonhumans, the transmission of energy, and faltering systems.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • On the Edmonton end, Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid, who led the NHL in defensive scoring and scoring period, respectively, are humming along offensively after wobbly starts to the series.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Soon the series saw its second significant head injury, as a wobbly Hurricanes rookie Alexander Nikishin required escorting off the ice after a massive, unpenalized hit from Ottawa Senators behemoth Tyler Kleven.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Dark Knight Rises may be an overstuffed and thematically conflicted mess, but her Catwoman rings crystal clear.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • Bourzgui brings genuine menace and charisma to David, while Benet has strong leading-man presence as the conflicted Michael.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Etiquette neither knows nor cares who is generous and who is stingy, and indecisive and rude are not opposites.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
  • If pipelines are unclear, documentation is incomplete or leadership is indecisive, external teams cannot fill those gaps.
    Denys Kliuch, Forbes.com, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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