waver

1 of 3

verb

wa·​ver ˈwā-vər How to pronounce waver (audio)
wavered; wavering
ˈwāv-riŋ, 
ˈwā-və-riŋ How to pronounce waver (audio)
Synonyms of waver

intransitive verb

1
: to vacillate irresolutely between choices : fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction
2
a
: to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro : reel, totter
b
: quiver, flicker
wavering flames
c
: to hesitate as if about to give way : falter
3
: to give an unsteady sound : quaver
waverer
ˈwā-və-rər How to pronounce waver (audio)
noun
waveringly
ˈwāv-riŋ-lē, 
ˈwā-və- How to pronounce waver (audio)
adverb

waver

2 of 3

noun (1)

: an act of wavering, quivering, or fluttering

waver

3 of 3

noun (2)

wav·​er ˈwā-vər How to pronounce waver (audio)
: one that waves

Synonyms of waver

Relevance

Verb

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Choose the Right Synonym for waver

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite.

swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

hesitate, waver, vacillate, falter mean to show irresolution or uncertainty.

hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat.

wavered in his support of the rebels

vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear.

never once faltered during her testimony

Examples of waver in a Sentence

Verb people who are still wavering between the two candidates They never wavered in their support for their leader. Despite the changes, he did not waver from his plan to retire. The kite wavered in the wind.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
The round, initially expected to close by the end of August, has taken longer than planned as some prospective investors waver over the price, one of the people said, though talks are nearing the end. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 The second is a classic MAGA narrative gambit to convince wavering Trump voters, as well as high-profile Senate candidates who have begun to distance themselves from the war, that the United States is winning. — David Faris, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
The world’s richest person, MAGA donor, chainsaw waver, baby daddy and would-be Mars colonizer takes a thrashing. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 Or a waver that makes achieving beachy styles quick and easy, and saves your biceps for that Hyrox class. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waver

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English; akin to Old English wǣfre restless, wafian to wave with the hands — more at wave

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1519, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waver was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing waver

Rhymes for waver

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Browse Nearby Words

wave pool
waver
waverer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waver. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

waver

verb
wa·​ver
ˈwā-vər
wavered; wavering
ˈwāv-(ə-)riŋ
1
: to go back and forth between choices
2
: to weave or sway to and fro
3
: to move unsteadily
waverer
ˈwā-vər-ər
noun
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