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 old frontier model received serious criticism, and faltered as ideas of conservation migrated from land to sea. Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025 But as a violent storm traps him in isolation, Drew’s body falters and his mind begins to unravel. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025 But residential customers could also face higher energy consumption and long-term bill increases if investment in the programs faltered. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025 The Lions moved to 2-1, while the Ravens are now 1-2 after faltering late in this game. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • The Bears quarterback didn't hesitate to offer some self-criticism in his postgame remarks either.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Look for Maker’s Marks While at the thrift store, don’t hesitate to turn an item over to inspect it further.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the elevator of the Associated Press Building at Rockefeller Plaza, Sunny’s brows trembled.
    Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But then the cheers from his fans would begin, and Hogan would tremble with energy.
    John DeVore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Part of the pleasure is how the rayographs wobble between metaphor and utensil, abstraction and figuration.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The rotating fan clicked, wobbled, and turned the other way.
    Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After 30 minutes or so, pause the machine, remove the comforter, and shake it out before adding it back to the drum, continuing the process until the bedding is fully dry.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The earthquake shook at a depth of just 3 miles, with its epicenter approximately 10 miles south of Trona.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Engelbert issued a corporate-speak statement about being disheartened by Collier’s comments and how her commitment to the players and league will not waver.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Warriors never wavered on team option frameworks.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Earth shuddered with yet another wave of extinctions in this initial chill.
    Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Walking into Lincoln with a freshman quarterback and a fill-in head coach is the kind of situation that would make most teams shudder.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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