OpenSynonym

wabbles

/ˈwæbəlz/

VERB

1. Moving or shaking unsteadily

To move, sway, rock, or shake irregularly from side to side or back and forth, often because of instability, imbalance, or a lack of firmness.

1.1. Objects and unstable structures

Used to describe solid objects, furniture, or structures that move or rock from side to side because they are uneven, loosely positioned, or unable to remain stable.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The old wooden table wabbles whenever someone leans against it.
  • The chair wabbles because one of its legs is shorter than the others.

Related Words

1.2. Soft substances and flexible materials

Used to describe gelatin, jelly, or other soft and flexible substances that jiggle, quiver, or move repeatedly when touched, shaken, or disturbed.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The jelly on the plate wabbles as the excited children eagerly anticipate dessert.
  • The gelatin dessert in the bowl subtly wabbles with every movement of the table.

Related Words

1.3. Unsteady bodily movement and gait

Used to describe a person's or animal's body, legs, or walking movement when they sway, shake, or move awkwardly because of poor balance, weakness, or physical instability.

Synonyms

  • staggers
  • stumbles
  • totters
  • teeters
  • dodders
  • hobbles
  • sways

Examples

  • With each step, the injured bird's gait wabbles awkwardly, indicating a struggle for balance.
  • The dancer's body wabbles gracefully to the rhythm of the music.

Related Words

1.4. Unsteady or wavering voice

Used to describe a person's voice when it shakes, quivers, or fluctuates in strength or pitch, often because of nervousness, fear, or emotional distress.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Despite his attempts to appear composed, the nervous speaker's voice occasionally wabbles during the important presentation.

Related Words