quavering 1 of 2

quavering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of quaver
as in trilling
to sing with the alternation of two musical tones know-it-alls snickered as the opera singer quavered on the high note

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 quavering
Adjective
Unmoored from tradition and offering only vague, impressionistic lyrics, Granli’s quavering performances on Rosacea become Rorschach tests, ripe for free association with whatever images your psyche can dredge up. — H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Tiny Silver was a birdlike woman, either very young or very old, quavering. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Softly so as not to drown out the quavering notes, the congregation put words to the melody. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026 The combination of quavering flutes and solemn, unfamiliar corridors is disquieting. — Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025 Funke, her voice quavering throughout, recounted the events of the previous night. — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025 Her voice quavering with emotion, Pawol talked about getting the news during a Wednesday conference call with director of umpire development Rich Rieker and vice president of umpire operations Matt McKendry. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quavering
Adjective
  • That proposition is particularly resonant in watchmaking, where the mechanical timepiece has long transcended its practical function.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Nuanced, resonant verse paints a clear-eyed, profoundly loving portrait of a teen navigating the complexities of growing up.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The chihuahuan raven has a somewhat different vocalization, with more of a trilling quality to its croak.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm Campground This trail almost entirely follows the coast for 7 miles, with a soundtrack of lapping waves, trilling loons, and the occasional outboard motor.
    — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • This shimmering, sonorous work, from one of our greatest living directors, moves through the peculiar landscapes of human interaction with certainty, eccentricity and grace, alighting on a generous if rueful conclusion.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Assuming the role of a human clapper, Holzinger struck its lip again and again, sending a sonorous peal across the Biennale grounds.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Nine’s creaking, warbling cadence makes for a Thug/Carti hybrid that’s distinct but still close enough to be familiar and palatable.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The song may be six minutes long, but the circuitous lope of his acoustic-guitar strum and low throb of his warbling feel eternal, like the type of tune Sisyphus might have hummed to keep himself company.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Your music can be melodic, painful, street and vulnerable all at once.
    — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • As the scene unfolds, however, the music begins to empty out, giving way to darker, lower melodic textures.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The enchanting woodsy and pastoral backgrounds when the action moves from the residential suburbs to the rural outskirts add to that poignancy, as do the dulcet tones of Randy Newman’s score.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Wishing you a week of dulcet tones, giddy resistance, and a thousand pancakes.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The neon kangaroo flickered, releasing a rhythmic, neon buzz.
    — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Even the outro gives that familiar groove one final twist, carrying the chorus’ melodic and rhythmic framework into new lyrics rather than simply repeating the chorus again.
    — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Now in its third modern iteration, the Carrera T occupies a uniquely appealing space within the 911 family.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Users do complain that bet365 is not the most visually appealing app and has too much text on the screen.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quavering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quavering. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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