1
as in faltered
to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side
he nervously teetered at the edge of the pool before finally diving in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in lurched
to move forward while swaying from side to side
the toddler teetered down the rink in her new ice skates
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in hesitated
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
was teetering on the brink of making a decision about college
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of teetered
Violeta was on her mobility scooter, and Julia teetered on Jay’s arm.
—
Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
Violeta’s mobility scooter teetered precariously on the roof.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
Gabby Barrett also teetered on the line, with plans to double down even further.
—Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
The Aggies have long teetered on the tipping point of college football’s top subdivision, eschewing pressures over the years to call it a day and drop down to FCS.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
In some places, homes teetered on hillsides and washed-out riverbanks.
—Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024
In some places, homes teetered on hillsides and riverbanks that had been washed away.
—Jeff Amy, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2024
Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
Violeta’s mobility scooter teetered precariously on the roof.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
Gabby Barrett also teetered on the line, with plans to double down even further.
—Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
The Aggies have long teetered on the tipping point of college football’s top subdivision, eschewing pressures over the years to call it a day and drop down to FCS.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
In some places, homes teetered on hillsides and washed-out riverbanks.
—Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024
In some places, homes teetered on hillsides and riverbanks that had been washed away.
—Jeff Amy, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for teetered
Verb
-
Without him in the lineup, the Knicks offense has faltered a little bit.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
However, New York has faltered a little without their star on the floor.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
For those who have hesitated due to financial concerns, now may be the right time to take the leap.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Charlotte has hesitated to drop parking minimums.—
Alexandria Sands,
Axios,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Initially convinced that Sheri had been abducted, the two staggered onto a nearby highway and flagged down a car for help.—
Johnny Dodd,
People.com,
21 Dec. 2024
-
The collapse of the Assad Regime in Syria is the latest in a series of political and military defeats that have staggered the Kremlin.—
Daniel Markind,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Richard Arnold, the chief executive whose departure had already been announced, went round the room and shook everyone’s hand, expressing his belief the future at United would be bright.—
Adam Crafton,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The camera then cut to Johansson, who shook her head while grimacing.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Teetered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/teetered. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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