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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on wilder

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