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Synonyms

wobble

American  
[wob-uhl] / ˈwɒb əl /

verb (used without object)

wobbled, wobbling
  1. to incline to one side and to the other alternately, as a wheel, top, or other rotating body when not properly balanced.

  2. to move unsteadily from side to side.

    The table wobbled on its uneven legs.

  3. to show unsteadiness; tremble; quaver.

    His voice wobbled.

  4. to vacillate; waver.


verb (used with object)

wobbled, wobbling
  1. to cause to wobble.

noun

  1. a wobbling movement.

wobble British  
/ ˈwɒbəl /

verb

  1. (intr) to move, rock, or sway unsteadily

  2. (intr) to tremble or shake

    her voice wobbled with emotion

  3. (intr) to vacillate with indecision

  4. (tr) to cause to wobble

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a wobbling movement, motion, or sound

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • wobbler noun

Etymology

Origin of wobble

1650–60; < Low German wabbeln; akin to Old Norse vafla to toddle, Middle High German wabelen to waver, Old English wæflian to speak incoherently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Banks’ exposure to private credit caused stocks to wobble in February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Although it appears geologically inactive, Rudolph noted that a subtle wobble in its motion hints at a hidden ocean below.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

"The reality of it might be that they wobble and we both fall off."

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Despite the current wobble, relative performance in 2026 has favored the equal weight benchmark.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

His smile widened an inch or two before he gave his arm a little wobble and lifted his lids.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx