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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of falter
However, Tiger's 16-year-old son faltered at the May 9 qualifier and did not advance.
—
Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
New York, which heads into the game in a 3-1 deficit, has seen great individual moments from star players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns — but together, the duo has faltered in one very important area.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 29 May 2025
When talks between the United States and Iran faltered, the Biden administration declined to pursue an entirely new agreement, opting instead to avoid escalation.
—Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
If trade negotiations falter, these tariffs could take effect, potentially igniting a trade war and unsettling global markets.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for falter
Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
New York, which heads into the game in a 3-1 deficit, has seen great individual moments from star players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns — but together, the duo has faltered in one very important area.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 29 May 2025
When talks between the United States and Iran faltered, the Biden administration declined to pursue an entirely new agreement, opting instead to avoid escalation.
—Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
If trade negotiations falter, these tariffs could take effect, potentially igniting a trade war and unsettling global markets.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
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Those that hesitate to modernize risk becoming less competitive in today’s fast-moving market.—
John Bruno,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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As Mars slips into your 12th house on June 17, your energy turns inward, so don’t hesitate to take a step back to rest, recharge and take a break from the social scene.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Nearby on the floor, O'Hara trembles and begs for her life.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
1 June 2025
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More recently, Trump announced 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union last Friday, sending investors trembling during the long holiday weekend, before walking back on the decision Sunday evening.—
Lee Ying Shan,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Verb
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This is because a planet's altitude in the sky is dependent in part on the inclination of the ecliptic relative to the horizon, which shifts throughout the year due to Earth's wobbling orbit.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
31 May 2025
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Stocks wobbled on Thursday but ended with a gain, as Wall Street’s embrace of a ruling against President Trump’s trade policy quickly gave way to doubts about its long-term impact.—
Jason Karaian,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Carnal, with care – Jis shook the bedrock of the cordial, conservative Guadalajara community with filth, camp and candor.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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Getty Images The European startup scene was recently shaken by a LinkedIn debate with some venture capitalists applying pressure on founders to embrace a culture of overwork to compete on a global stage.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
8 June 2025
Verb
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The broader housing market continues to face headwinds, with mortgage rates remaining high and consumer confidence wavering.—
Joe Cornell,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Many other states have shared wavering commitment to continuing programs that incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion.—
Kayla Jimenez,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Verb
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That was after the pandemic lockdown brought concerts — and much of the world — shuddering to a halt in 2020 and much of 2021 (and before the COVID resurgence that followed).—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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Trump’s early-morning social-media missive caused markets to shudder.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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