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

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.
Recent Examples of falter Beijing is likely to expand modestly its annual fiscal quota to fund the subsidy program toward the end of the third quarter or start of the fourth quarter, said Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley, if the economic growth falters to below 4.5%. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 June 2025 But its faltering defenses and clear, humiliating infiltration by Israel’s intelligence, make that a long shot. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 13 June 2025 Duran’s knock was the beginning of the end for Warren, who finally faltered and exited with one out in the sixth. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025 Ocean protection efforts are faltering, with policy talk far outpacing tangible results. Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • Seize Market Share When Competitors Retreat Expand globally when trends align and others hesitate.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • However, small businesses hesitate to seize the opportunity due to factors like limited finances, technical deficits, and lack of expertise.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • As Sofia unfolded the pages during her graduation celebration, her voice trembled.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Already nervous and trembling, Wood captures the terror and claustrophobia of having your head clamped in place and one eye pried open with a speculum.
    Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Then the steering wheel wobbled momentarily, and instead of turning it proceeded straight into the lane meant for oncoming traffic, prompting a honk from a car behind it.
    Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Since there are only two points of contact with the ground, the statues eventually begin to wobble.
    Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • And beside them, Milford, Weymouth and St. John’s of Shrewsbury also shook off their sub-20 seeding to advance at least once in an all-time showing of parity.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025
  • The tragedy shook the small Ohio town — and stunned viewers who remembered the Stockdale family's 2008 appearance on ABC's Wife Swap.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Their average rotation age was among the youngest ever for a champion, and yet their composure never wavered under the bright lights.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 June 2025
  • Brendan McDermid | Reuters Stock futures wavered before Monday’s session as the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran spiked oil prices and raised investors’ concerns about the global economy.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts: What starts off as a fun school carnival (shudder!) falls under Wednesday’s spell to make for a twisted tour through the macabre.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 June 2025
  • Both John and Jerry are fathers trying to mold their sons in their own images in the face of an unrecognizable country, but neither of their struggles is meaningfully explored in the span of a 96-minute film that doesn’t have time to do anything but shudder at these men’s shared helplessness.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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