1
as in hesitated
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in trembled
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of faltered
But UConn faltered in the second half, surrendering a 20-4 run and at one point going nearly eight minutes between field goals.
—
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
The Aussie actor has had quite the year, with acclaimed performances in films such as Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights—and amidst the many press tours and busy award season events, his personal style has never faltered.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026
China's factory activity faltered in February as manufacturers paused production and cargo shipments to celebrate an extended holiday, an official survey showed on Wednesday.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Too many candidates, Biden wrote, had faltered early in the small, relatively nondiverse states that voted first (traditionally, New Hampshire and Iowa), leading them to drop out.
—Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Aliso Niguel senior Jayden Mysin said the Wolverines faltered defensively.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
Despite leading most of the game, USC faltered in the final moments and dropped its second game in a row.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Although his fortunes have faltered, counting Trump out would be foolish.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
These groups provided food, rental assistance, medical supplies and direct cash support when formal systems, such as government programs and nonprofit agencies, faltered.
—Pamala Wiepking, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
The Aussie actor has had quite the year, with acclaimed performances in films such as Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights—and amidst the many press tours and busy award season events, his personal style has never faltered.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026
China's factory activity faltered in February as manufacturers paused production and cargo shipments to celebrate an extended holiday, an official survey showed on Wednesday.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Too many candidates, Biden wrote, had faltered early in the small, relatively nondiverse states that voted first (traditionally, New Hampshire and Iowa), leading them to drop out.
—Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Aliso Niguel senior Jayden Mysin said the Wolverines faltered defensively.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
Despite leading most of the game, USC faltered in the final moments and dropped its second game in a row.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Although his fortunes have faltered, counting Trump out would be foolish.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
These groups provided food, rental assistance, medical supplies and direct cash support when formal systems, such as government programs and nonprofit agencies, faltered.
—Pamala Wiepking, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faltered
Verb
-
That's over twice the value of gold from just one year ago, and now investors who once hesitated to buy gold are weighing whether the opportunity has already passed — or whether the metal still has room to run.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Then the Canadian hesitated, ever so slightly.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
While the athleisure market is still expanding, that rate of growth has wobbled in North America, data from market intelligence company Euromonitor International show.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The ball wobbled in the air, seemingly unable to slice through the cold wind, and into the arms of Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Later, when Tristan gently put his hand on Marke’s shoulder, the king shuddered.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
People shuddered at the sight of it, or groaned, or covered their eyes.—
Sam Kriss,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
No serious injuries were reported, but the extent of the fire shook residents of the north, who have repeatedly been told by their leaders that Hezbollah was dealt a devastating blow in 2024 during its last war with Israel.—
Natalie Melzer,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
-
With the blessing of Byers and basketball committee chairman Gavitt, the three parties — NCAA, CBS, and the Hyatt — shook hands.—
Bill Hancock,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That's what happened through the huge swings that rocked Wall Street last week.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Perhaps most famously, Gosling rocked three vintage gold Carreras at once while playing Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Bulls never wavered from that ethos.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Prices have wavered since then, and gold’s value hovered below $5,200 an ounce on March 6.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Elsewhere in town, the original creature, played by Christian Bale, has lurched here from Austria still on his lonely quest for companionship.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Then, just as abruptly, the plane lurched up, slamming everyone back to the ground.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Faltered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faltered. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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