Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vacillate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vacillate are falter, hesitate, and waver. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

When is it sensible to use falter instead of vacillate?

While the synonyms falter and vacillate are close in meaning, 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 vacillate?

The words hesitate and vacillate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When could waver be used to replace vacillate?

Although the words waver and vacillate have much in common, 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 vacillate Her Astrid is less a hewn warrior, more an uncertain teen, who vacillates between confidence and nervous energy. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 June 2025 Or vacillating between tariffs of 145% to 30% in the space of a month, as happened recently with Chinese imports. Michael Barclay, Quartz, 28 May 2025 While the secretary of state has tempered any optimism with reasons to be concerned that a lasting agreement between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky can be reached, the president has vacillated between public frustration and casual confidence. David Catanese, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025 Similarly, Kiki vacillates between a broad figure of oblivious privilege, not that far removed from Moore’s The Big Lebowski heiress, and a scrapper who feels just as insecure in this place as either sister. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vacillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacillate
Verb
  • Don’t hesitate to end partnerships with contractors who aren’t aligned with your vision or delivering results.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • In this way, the ellipsoid would change shape in jerky, hesitating motions, gradually exploring the space around it.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Here are a few more takeaways from Monday’s game: Michael Wacha falters late Wacha had trouble navigating the Mariners’ lineup.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • When corporate processes eclipse the culture, ventures almost inevitably falter.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vacillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacillate. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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