Definition of falternext

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 If anything, summer creates conditions where response is more likely to falter. Meghan Tisinger, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 But as Tomorrow’s wholesale business faltered against a challenging industry backdrop, Coperni claims this cashflow dried up. Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 17 June 2026 The Wisconsin fake electors case is moving forward even as others in the battleground states of Michigan and Georgia have faltered. CBS News, 17 June 2026 Despite some strong moments, Severance’s second season faltered, as did The Last of Us, and there’s no need to look too closely at what happened with Squid Game. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • When asked which member of the family is the best soccer player, Theo didn't hesitate.
    Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • When an agreement offers nothing to the Iranian people, why would the regime hesitate to intensify its crackdown?
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Each time the leaves trembled, the sunlight filtering through them also wavered.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Logic, curated by decades of precedent, suggested the 22-year-old might tremble at the growl of the aggressive, experienced Wolves.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • But things are starting to wobble.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Suddenly, the tent jerked and wobbled.
    Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Canada’s first-ever World Cup win was overshadowed yesterday when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left teammates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • In a major rupture, strong shaking could cause severe damage near the fault and in areas built on soft or water-saturated soils, which can amplify shaking.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Oil prices wavered after the United States and Iran signed an agreement to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
  • There wasn't any attention wavering out there.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • A lot of people are upset by the notion of bringing cage fights to the White House, shuddering at the bad taste of it all.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Design practices Not knowing ahead of time what lunar explorers may face is an unsure, shuddering proposition.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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