Find Antonyms

waive Antonyms

Opposite of waive

Because the opposite of waive shifts with each meaning, the 10 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To voluntarily refrain from insisting on or using a right, claim, or privilege.

Usage Example

"The defendant agreed to claim his right to a jury trial in exchange for a faster hearing."

Strongest
claim
assert
Strong
exercise
retain
maintain

• verb (Context 2)

To refrain from applying or enforcing a rule, penalty, or fee.

Usage Example

"The university decided to enforce the application fee for students from low-income households."

Strongest
enforce
impose
Strong
exact
levy
uphold

Similar words to waive

Words similar to waive shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

relinquish
forgo
dispense with
surrender
renounce
set aside
give up
drop
See all synonyms of waive

• Nearby Words

waiter
waitlist
waitperson
waive
waiver
wake
wakeful

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Waive. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/waive
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