verb

waver

WAY-vuh

verb

To hesitate or show signs of doubt, especially about a decision or resolve.

"He wavered before finally signing the contract."

"Her support for the plan never wavered, even under pressure."

To sway or move unsteadily, as if about to fall or fail.

"The flame wavered in the draft from the open door."

noun

An instance of hesitating or losing steadiness.

"There was a slight waver in his voice as he spoke."

How to Use Waver

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo hesitate, lose confidence, or become unsteady.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "waiver," a legal document giving up a right — they sound identical but are unrelated in meaning.

Easily confused with

waiver →

Common pairings

waver in one's resolve never waver voice wavered

Word Forms

wavered past tense, waver plural, wavered plural, wavers plural, wavers plural, wavers plural, wavers singular, waver singular, wavered singular, waverest singular, waveredst singular, wavereth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ before finally signing the contract.

Etymology

From Middle English waveren, related to Old English wafian ("to wave"), sharing a root with the word "wave" itself.

Rhymes for waver

aver saver beaver weaver shaver slaver braver Seaver cadaver cleaver lifesaver

See all rhymes for waver →