# waver

**Pronunciation:** /ˈweɪvər/ · WAY-ver

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

To become unsteady or indecisive; to show doubt or hesitation.

## Examples

- Her confidence began to waver as the deadline approached.
- Despite the strong arguments, he continued to waver on which candidate to support.
- The light from the candle began to waver in the gentle breeze.

## Synonyms

- hesitate — To pause before acting or speaking due to uncertainty.
- falter — To lose strength or momentum, or to speak hesitantly.
- vacillate — To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; more formal.
- oscillate — To move or swing back and forth regularly, often used metaphorically for opinions.

## Antonyms

- decide — To make a choice or come to a resolution.
- resolve — To firmly decide on a course of action.
- stand firm — To maintain one's position or opinion without changing.

## Common patterns

- waver on something — To be undecided about a particular issue or decision. — She tends to waver on important decisions, making it hard to move forward.
- waver between A and B — To be unable to choose between two options. — He continued to waver between accepting the job offer or pursuing further studies.

## Collocations

- waver in commitment — Despite the challenges, her commitment to the project did not waver.
- waver in faith — His faith began to waver after experiencing so many setbacks.
- waver in opinion — The committee members continued to waver in their opinion on the new policy.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/waver

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)