quiver 1 of 2

noun

Definition of quivernext
as in shiver
an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold a quiver ran through the audience when the monster cornered the movie's hero

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quiver

2 of 2

verb

as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements aspen leaves quivering in the breeze

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 quiver
Noun
Visually, the tunnel’s thick metal exterior quivers and soil shakes off it as each succeeding segment ignites. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 May 2026 The ones that have earned a rightful long-term place in my quiver are the ones that obsess over seam taping, stress test their zippers, and refine fabrication choices with rigorous field testing. — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
Plume-like cypress trees quiver along curvaceous paths, walled in rustic local sandstone and concrete. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Johnston plays poor Bear as a quivering mess wracked with guilt that this monster — who used to be his friend — is the result of his own terrible decision-making. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for quiver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quiver
  1. shiver
  2. shake
  3. shudder
  4. jerk
  5. tremble
  6. vibrate
Noun
  • This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2026
Definition of shiver
Verb
  • The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
  • This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of shake
Noun
  • The tensions, which have sent a shudder across many American industries, have prompted Washington to seek new sources of rare earths.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 June 2026
  • Whoever ends up playing the America 250 or (shudder) Freedom 250 gigs, the Chicks are our pick for Band of the Sesquicentennial.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 June 2026
Definition of shudder
Verb
  • Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
  • Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • Be a good child, do what they’re told, be the best child, a tremble in their hands, say nothing, tensed for the knock on the door.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the recent market trembles reveal less about the immediate dangers of AI and more about the precarious psychology of modern trading.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of tremble
Verb
  • But the feeling of release as the bowstrings were left vibrating in my arms was palpable, intensely satisfying.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • These bees vibrate flowers to release the pollen, improving pollination and fruit set.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Definition of vibrate

Browse Nearby Words

quitting
quiver
quivered
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Cite this Entry

“Quiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quiver. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on quiver

Nglish: Translation of quiver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quiver

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