Waiver vs Waver

While waiver and waver may look similar and have identical sounds, they are actually homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings, spellings, and/or uses. They may be pronounced in the same manner and their spellings are only set apart by a single letter “i”, they are actually very different in terms of meaning and use. Today, we will help you determine and understand the differences between these two terms so you can use them properly in your writing.

First of all, the word waiver is most commonly used as a noun referring to “the act of intentionally relinquishing or abandoning a known right, claim, or privilege, also the legal instrument evidencing such an act.”

Air Force’s Expanded Medical Waiver Policy Admitted More Than 600 Airmen In 2017
Task & Purpose

Government approves one-time waiver of Railways’ dividend payout
India Economic Times

Without a state waiver, it’s illegal to plant cotton just because you like the looks
Magnolia Reporter

In sports, it may also be used as a noun pertaining to “the act of a club’s waiving the right to claim a professional ball player who is being removed from another club’s roster.”

Week 11 Fantasy Busts: Are top waiver pickups Samaje Perine, Dede Westbrook worth starting?
Sporting News

Braving the fantasy QB waiver wire to dig up desperate answer
New York Post

Braxton Beverly granted waiver, comes off bench for NC State
ESPN

On the other hand, the term waver functions as a verb meaning “to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro” or “to vacillate irresolutely between choices.”

Russia is said to waver on length of Opec output cuts extension
Gulf Times

Stocks Waver in Wait for Clarity on Senate GOP Tax Cut Plans, Crude Falls
The Street

Dak’s Confidence In Offensive Line Doesn’t Waver After Tough Outing
Dallas Cowboys

After discussing the distinctions between the words waiver and waver, you should be able to use them more effectively in your sentences. Remember that waiver refers to relinquishing a right over something while waver is to falter in belief or to be unsteady in making a choice.