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
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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
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Recent Examples of falter
That changed in the early and mid-2000s, when public interest in the league faltered and ownership groups began to sell off their WNBA franchises.
—
Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 July 2025
After Democrats took control of the Senate in 2021 with President Joe Biden in the White House, efforts to address the cap again faltered, despite efforts by Pritzker and other Democratic governors who wrote Biden a letter that spring calling for it to be eliminated.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Trump's ratings on some of the most significant issues facing the country also faltered, according to Gallup pollsters.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 27 July 2025
George Russell’s attempts at building a new, cross-country railway line may continue to falter, but The Gilded Age is running right on time.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for falter
Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 July 2025
After Democrats took control of the Senate in 2021 with President Joe Biden in the White House, efforts to address the cap again faltered, despite efforts by Pritzker and other Democratic governors who wrote Biden a letter that spring calling for it to be eliminated.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Trump's ratings on some of the most significant issues facing the country also faltered, according to Gallup pollsters.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 27 July 2025
George Russell’s attempts at building a new, cross-country railway line may continue to falter, but The Gilded Age is running right on time.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
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Utilize available accessibility services and don't hesitate to request assistance when needed.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
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This can have consequences: Children who hesitate to ask or answer questions risk becoming adults with the same habits.—
Shelbie Witte,
The Conversation,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In the elevator of the Associated Press Building at Rockefeller Plaza, Sunny’s brows trembled.—
Kiran Desai,
New Yorker,
3 Aug. 2025
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But then the cheers from his fans would begin, and Hogan would tremble with energy.—
John DeVore,
Rolling Stone,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Europe's defense stocks wobbled at the start of the week, as investors pored over the details — still lacking in some areas — of the framework trade agreement struck by the U.S. and European Union on Sunday.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
30 July 2025
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But near the end, the spin started to wobble President John F. Kennedy was always good at spinning a story.—
J. Randy Taraborrelli,
Air Mail,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Han shook off criticisms of the small ring by also noting that both Belly and Jeremiah are college students on a budget.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Rinse the greens in the empty side of the sink, then put the greens in the colander, rinse again, shake off, and rinse again.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Through global disruptions, shifting audience behaviors, and major industry evolution, your perseverance and creativity never wavered.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Aug. 2025
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There was that episode in 2000 where Hank Hill wavered in voting for George W. Bush due to the former Texas governor’s weak hand- shake, but that was about it.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This textural trend is known for its popularity in the 1970s, when homeowners and designers experimented with installing shag carpets on unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings and bathroom floors (shudder).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
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In 2001, however, production ceased, and the brewery shuddered.—
Katie Chang,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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