Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vacillate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vacillate are falter, hesitate, and waver. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

When is it sensible to use falter instead of vacillate?

While the synonyms falter and vacillate are close in meaning, 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 vacillate?

The words hesitate and vacillate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When could waver be used to replace vacillate?

Although the words waver and vacillate have much in common, 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 vacillate During a turbulent Game 6 closeout of the Pistons, one in which the Knicks vacillated between superiority and forgetting how to play the sport, Bridges’ physicality was a constant. Fred Katz, New York Times, 3 May 2025 His vacillating trade policy has undermined consumer and business confidence, and caused economists to raise their forecasts for a U.S. recession. Chris Prentice, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Supernatural vacillated wildly in quality over its 300+ episodes but there are some true gems in here, especially for fans of urban legends and things that go bump in the night. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 Here are signs leadership has slipped into chaos: No clear priorities: Leaders who view all issues as urgent communicate constantly vacillating expectations, creating massive confusion. Kathy Miller Perkins, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vacillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacillate
Verb
  • Those that hesitate to modernize risk becoming less competitive in today’s fast-moving market.
    John Bruno, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • 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
  • Ocean protection efforts are faltering, with policy talk far outpacing tangible results.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Doctoring provides powerful tools for getting under the hood, but writing offers ones that dig into the interstitial spaces where our more utilitarian tools falter.
    Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vacillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacillate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vacillate

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