Synonyms of falter

falter

verb

ˈfȯl-tər 

1

as in to hesitate

to show uncertainty about the right course of action

William Lloyd Garrison never once faltered in his demand that slavery be unconditionally abolished

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitate
• waver
• vacillate
• wait
• stagger
• halt
• hang back
• scruple
• debate
• dither
• pause
• wobble
• balance
• teeter
• linger
• sway
• shilly-shally
• delay
• ponder
• procrastinate
• haw
• dawdle
• weigh
• deliberate
• hem
• back down
• oscillate
• chicken (out)
• equivocate
• consider
• hedge
• waffle
• dally
• pussyfoot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• stir
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• advance
• budge

2

as in to tremble

to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side

the cut tree seemed to falter for a moment before crashing to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tremble
• wobble
• shake
• waver
• shudder
• totter
• rock
• lurch
• vibrate
• stumble
• quiver
• flounder
• teeter
• stagger
• quake
• toddle
• reel
• quaver
• weave
• careen

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb falter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of falter are hesitate, vacillate, and waver. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear.

never once faltered during her testimony

When would hesitate be a good substitute for falter?

The words hesitate and falter can be used in similar contexts, but hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When is vacillate a more appropriate choice than falter?

The synonyms vacillate and falter are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

In what contexts can waver take the place of falter?

In some situations, the words waver and falter are roughly equivalent. However, waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat.

wavered in his support of the rebels

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of falter

While the aircraft fulfilled its promise to keep the president safe in a crisis, its legendary communication systems faltered. — Peter Kastor, Fortune, 27 July 2026

The boy was burly and had a remarkable strength and energy that stayed throughout his life, only faltering in the very last throes of death. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

One thing that will surely appeal, and certainly to City, is that even on what feels like an off-day, Rodri’s ability to dictate his team’s tempo in possession does not falter. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 19 July 2026

But nearly everything else has faltered, including the president’s signature legislative initiative to overhaul elections by, in part, requiring votes to provide proof of citizenship. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026