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 Louise makes a video in response stating that Joe’s claims are utterly false, leading Joe’s credibility to falter. Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2025 Ultimately, though, the set felt a bit overlong, especially during the final third with newer material and a couple piano tunes, and the crowd’s energy started to falter a bit during the final half-hour of day two of the Minnesota Yacht Club. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025 Although officials have long acknowledged the risk of flooding near the Guadalupe River, multiple efforts to build a more substantial flood warning system have faltered or been abandoned due to budget concerns. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 8 July 2025 Skills Even with the best tools, untrained teams falter. Saby Waraich, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • Many third-party managers hesitate to adopt centralized models, citing concerns about disruption or owner pushback.
    Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Social media users didn't hesitate to share their thoughts on the eBay sale.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Wires were seen submerged in pooling water across the floor and high winds made the floor and walls of the facility’s tents tremble, reporter video from CNN affiliate Spectrum News 13 showed.
    Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
  • The sound is electronic and rhythmically driven; the singing trembles with desire and confusion.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • In this case, the dollar is wobbling because markets lack faith in it, even though the U.S. economy is doing better than most others.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
  • His jaw wobbled unsteadily and a thin thread of spit drooled from the side of his mouth onto the counter.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shook hands in Scotland on Sunday after agreeing on the framework for a trade deal between two of the world’s biggest economies.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
  • Accompanied by her brother-in-law, Sen. Edward Kennedy, the former first lady was seen at N.Y.C.'s 21 Club — shaking hands with other frequenters.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • After finishing her schooling, Laine worked in a variety of day jobs, although her passion for performing never wavered.
    George Varga, Mercury News, 28 July 2025
  • While Call of Duty releases annually, and it is guaranteed to top sales charts each year, Battlefield games come around every few years and have wavered in quality between entries.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • All those sharp tool and drills are enough to make anyone shudder.
    Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 9 July 2025
  • My father seemed to crumple a little, shuddering, grabbing the edge of his desk to steady himself.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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