wilder

verb

wil·​der ˈwil-dər 

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 

noun archaic

Examples of wilder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But a mysterious force is stopping their return and the time-traveling TARDIS team must face great dangers, bigger enemies and wilder terrors than ever before. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025

Even wilder, Final Destination is actually inspired by a true story. —Keith Langston, People.com, 17 May 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from wilderness

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for wilder

• milder
• schilder

Biographical Definition

Wilder 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Wil·​der ˈwī(-ə)l-dər 

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