wilder

verb

wil·​der ˈwil-dər How to pronounce wilder (audio)
wildered; wildering; wilders

transitive verb

1
archaic : to lead astray
2
archaic : bewilder, perplex

intransitive verb

archaic : to move at random : wander
wilderment
ˈwil-dər-mənt How to pronounce wilder (audio)
noun archaic

Examples of wilder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Like anyone's high school class photograph, the 97th Oscar Nominees Official Photo is a blast to look at up close (and even wilder to experience in person). — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 Somehow, the college basketball jobs carousel — for coaches and players — seems to spin faster and wilder every spring. — Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2025 If Episode 3 was any indication, the season is on pace to get even wilder. — Kilty Cleary, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 This year expect to see things get even wilder with zebra, reptile, and cow prints all on the rise. — Franziska Fuchs, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wilder

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from wilderness

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wilder was in 1613

Rhymes for wilder

See All Rhymes for wilder

Browse Nearby Words

wild emmer
wilder
Wilder
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Cite this Entry

“Wilder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wilder. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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Biographical Definition

Wilder 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Wil·​der ˈwī(-ə)l-dər How to pronounce Wilder (audio)
Billy 1906–2002 born Samuel Wilder American (Polish-born) filmmaker

Wilder

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Laura Ingalls 1867–1957 née Laura Ingalls American author

Wilder

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

Thornton Niven 1897–1975 American author

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