waver 1 of 2

waver

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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
Trump’s own wavering commitment to Taiwan further risks rendering any military preparations hollow. Tong Zhao, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2025 The Standard and Poor’s 500 index edged up 0.1% after wavering between small gains and losses much of the day. Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
This tool weighs in at 1.24 lbs, which feels light after becoming accustomed to using wavers that are close to 2.5 lbs. Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 2 May 2025 But Woll’s ability to enter a series after the goalie in front of him wavers shouldn’t be discounted. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • Marsch didn’t hesitate to call on the 21-year-old to replace Davies in March.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • When asked to reflect on a moment that stands out from his 5-year tenure (2000-2005), AJ didn’t hesitate.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • If trade negotiations falter, these tariffs could take effect, potentially igniting a trade war and unsettling global markets.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • But after a flagrant foul by Clark against Reese on Saturday, all the prior talk from each athlete about a lack of a rivalry seemed to falter.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • As the first American pope, Leo XIV could holds symbolic and substantive sway in how U.S. Catholics interpret the intersection of faith and governance.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Bhattacharya’s sway, too, is likely to expand far past his own agency.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • His blood pressure skyrocketed, and his entire body trembled whenever R.S.F. fighters began shooting nearby.
    Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • The mood is tense, with markets trembling and corporate giants like Apple caught in the crossfire.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Impossible franchise began with a shocking scene in which Cruise free-climbs a 2,000-ft. rock face in Utah.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Popular ’90s rock act reunites for first Bay Area show in 30-plus years Popular '90s rock act reunites for first Bay Area show in 30-plus years Dear Abby: My husband won’t fulfill 2 of my non-negotiables.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) after a signing ceremony following their bilateral talks at Kumsusan state residence in Pyongyang, on June 19, 2024.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • The ban, now on emergency pause by Burroughs, already has shaken some of the world’s brightest thinkers at a school often heralded as a premier global hub of higher learning.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The resulting waves would be on the order of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed more than 50,000 people.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow made some waves after the schedule came out.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The market melted down, Treasury bonds wobbled, and disaster seemed imminent.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • But a rally in Asian stocks overnight fell off and the dollar also wobbled.
    Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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