verb
Uncommon
waive
wayv
Waive (verb) means to voluntarily give up a right, claim, or requirement. Example: “She agreed to waive her right to a lawyer during questioning.”
verb
1
To voluntarily give up a right, claim, or requirement.
"She agreed to waive her right to a lawyer during questioning."
"The university waived the application fee for low-income students."
2
In sports, to release a player so other teams can claim them.
"The team waived the veteran quarterback after a poor season."
How to use waive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially drop or not insist on a right or rule.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "wave" (to move your hand) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
waive a fee
waive a right
waive liability
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Word forms
- Plural
- waives
- Third person singular
- waives
- Past tense
- waived
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She agreed to _____ her right to a lawyer during questioning.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman weyver, related to the idea of abandoning a claim — ultimately from the same root as "waif."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for waive
See all rhymes for waive →Frequently asked questions
What does “waive” mean?
The word “waive” means to voluntarily give up a right, claim, or requirement. In plain terms, to officially drop or not insist on a right or rule.
How do you pronounce “waive”?
“Waive” is pronounced wayv (/weɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “waive” in a sentence?
Here is “waive” used in a sentence: “She agreed to waive her right to a lawyer during questioning.”
What is another word for “waive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “waive” include abandon, abdicate, abjure, cede, dismiss and disregard.
What is the opposite of “waive”?
The opposite of “waive” — its antonyms — are accept, admit, approve and submit.
What part of speech is “waive”?
“Waive” is a verb.
Where does the word “waive” come from?
The word “waive” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman weyver, related to the idea of abandoning a claim — ultimately from the same root as "waif.".
Is “waive” a common word?
“Waive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
