Synonyms of falter

falter

verb

ˈfȯl-tər 

1

as in to hesitate

to show uncertainty about the right course of action

William Lloyd Garrison never once faltered in his demand that slavery be unconditionally abolished

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitate
• waver
• vacillate
• wait
• stagger
• halt
• hang back
• scruple
• debate
• dither
• pause
• wobble
• balance
• teeter
• linger
• sway
• shilly-shally
• delay
• ponder
• procrastinate
• haw
• dawdle
• weigh
• deliberate
• hem
• back down
• oscillate
• chicken (out)
• equivocate
• consider
• hedge
• waffle
• dally
• pussyfoot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• stir
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• advance
• budge

2

as in to tremble

to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side

the cut tree seemed to falter for a moment before crashing to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tremble
• wobble
• shake
• waver
• shudder
• totter
• rock
• lurch
• vibrate
• stumble
• quiver
• flounder
• teeter
• stagger
• quake
• toddle
• reel
• quaver
• weave
• careen

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

Recent Examples of falter

Past attempts to develop the site have faltered, making Tuesday’s council vote the first major step toward future planning in years. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Over the next two years, Mango faltered and racked up a substantial amount of debt before Toni Ruiz led a turnaround. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

When the Kurdish forces started to falter in the assault, Wheeler stepped up and took charge of the situation in order to turn the tide. —David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026

The sides have previously seemed close to a deal in recent weeks, only to falter. —Arkansas Online, 25 May 2026