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 The Glamorous Glow at the Real Housewives Reunion Even in her reality TV days, Eva’s face card never faltered. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 Oct. 2025 That reinforced the idea that inflation concerns should take a backseat to worries about faltering job growth. Scott Horsley, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025 As their characters each face struggles, triumphs and reversals, the two leads never falter. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025 In a note published Monday, Neil Dutta, head of economics at Renaissance Macro research group, said that as jobs growth continues to falter, price pressures will, too, as households grow more cautious about spending. Steve Kopack, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • Blashill didn’t hesitate to go right back to Knight after the goalie’s first poor performance of the season Thursday night in Winnipeg.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The Nashville forward was awarded the PK after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo hesitated coming off his line and was called for a foul.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The kind of person who trembles at watermarks is not the sort of person who dares to put marble in the dishwasher.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Maine trembled and angled up, then listed to port, throwing him from his chair.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And the resulting 35-yard field goal try — a six-inch gimmie putt in the modern NFL — wobbles wide right.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Many have been subject to rising costs as supply chains have wobbled during the Russian war in the Ukraine.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Whether it’s shaken, stirred, dirty, or dry, the martini remains one of the world’s most iconic and timeless drinks.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Start the process by vigorously shaking or hanging then pounding the rug to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and other particles, then vacuum it thoroughly on both sides, using a canister vacuum with the hose or a high pile setting—and no beater bar!
    Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Most of them will not waver in their belief that the jellied discs are the only cranberry dish worth serving.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Many in the audience probably had trouble maintaining their composure, but Zevon never wavered.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • So one shudders to think what might happen when the Dolphins now face a murderer’s row of elite running backs and mobile quarterbacks.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Neumark shudders to think how much his grandmother may have spent on Beanie Babies.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on falter

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