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
The ceramic material of this waver ensures reduced heat damage, safe for even finer hair types (goodbye, crunchy crimpers!). Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 June 2025 Also speaking to camera, the various members of the Girard family waver between resentment and bewildered confusion. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Noun
The White House said at the time that Biden, who was 81 years old, had a cold, but his close supporters feared that his wavering voice, halted speaking and meandering answers doomed his reelection chances. Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 7 July 2025 Third-team All-Mountain West, conference leader in three-pointers, team-high 13.9 points per game, co-captain once again — a title that carries more weight in Colorado Springs than most places – Taylor’s trajectory never wavered. Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for waver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waver
Verb
  • But in volatile and uncertain times, many leaders hesitate to act, and others simply freeze up.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 31 July 2025
  • If you’re selected for an interview, don’t hesitate to ask the hiring manager whether a degree is truly required or if relevant experience counts.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • After Democrats took control of the Senate in 2021 with President Joe Biden in the White House, efforts to address the cap again faltered, despite efforts by Pritzker and other Democratic governors who wrote Biden a letter that spring calling for it to be eliminated.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
  • Trump's ratings on some of the most significant issues facing the country also faltered, according to Gallup pollsters.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • Corn growers, primarily based in the U.S. Midwest, have long held significant sway in Washington policymaking.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • While advocates have said the change boosts religious organizations' First Amendment rights, others are skeptical about churches having more sway in politics and argue the new rule violates the First Amendment by favoring religious organizations over their secular counterparts.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The word originally referred to trembling from fear or cold, and later came to describe earth tremors (as in earthquake).
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The cobwebs under the jarrah tremble in the hot breeze; there are no beetles snagged in the webs today to rescue.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Its 26 weightless minutes make up possibly the sweetest album ever to be filed under rock.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
  • But during an ecological survey in March, the snake was found in central Barbados, carefully tucked under a rainforest rock.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The two men appeared to shake hands before parting ways.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 July 2025
  • Accompanied by her brother-in-law, Sen. Edward Kennedy, the former first lady was seen at N.Y.C.'s 21 Club — shaking hands with other frequenters.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • That middle-aged wave of insomnia has taught me not to take restful sleep for granted.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Thanks to the off-road suspension innovations of TOTAL CHAOS, the footage didn’t wobble a bit—not even at 70 miles per hour.
    Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 31 July 2025
  • Non-doms' recent exodus from the U.K. has caused London's luxury home market to wobble, with sales and prices falling in recent months.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waver. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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