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 Where Season 4 noticeably falters is, oddly enough, where past seasons thrive. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 June 2025 But its green pivot came under scrutiny as profits faltered. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 June 2025 Already faltering multilateral institutions will further diminish in capacity. Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 But the plans faltered after voters in 2016 rejected a $180 million bond measure to build it. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • Seize Market Share When Competitors Retreat Expand globally when trends align and others hesitate.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • However, small businesses hesitate to seize the opportunity due to factors like limited finances, technical deficits, and lack of expertise.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • As Sofia unfolded the pages during her graduation celebration, her voice trembled.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Already nervous and trembling, Wood captures the terror and claustrophobia of having your head clamped in place and one eye pried open with a speculum.
    Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Then the steering wheel wobbled momentarily, and instead of turning it proceeded straight into the lane meant for oncoming traffic, prompting a honk from a car behind it.
    Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Since there are only two points of contact with the ground, the statues eventually begin to wobble.
    Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • But the humble protein powerhouse has never seemed to be able to shake the bad reputation.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • The earth begins to shake as the animals, each one a small tank of muscle, thunder along the route at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour, scattering runners.
    Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Their average rotation age was among the youngest ever for a champion, and yet their composure never wavered under the bright lights.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 June 2025
  • Outside of baseball and school, Rudden’s desire to give back didn’t waver.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • This time around, the apex, at least for now, appears to have been March, as Trump’s pending April 2 Liberation Day tariffs, which were ultimately paused for 90 days after bond markets shuddered, approached.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts: What starts off as a fun school carnival (shudder!) falls under Wednesday’s spell to make for a twisted tour through the macabre.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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