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 This week, Trump's public statements have vacillated between close alignment with Ukraine and Europe and talking about the war in terms more sympathetic to Russia and Putin. Tamara Keith, NPR, 14 Aug. 2025 This means his net approval rating in the last four weeks has vacillated between -14 points and -15 points. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025 That includes former Fox News TV host Steve Hilton, who vacillates between thoughtful reformer and bomb-thrower. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2025 Colin Farrell buries himself under a truly amazing amount of prosthetics to portray Oz Cobb’s evolution into the populist crime boss, who vacillates between entitlement, vulnerability, and violence. Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vacillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacillate
Verb
  • Surgery under fire When news of the donor heart came, Todurov did not hesitate.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Tran said some Republican clubs have even hesitated to ask their universities for support or security for their events.
    Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Francis was leading from a place of unification and camaraderie where all of these boys, Stebbins included, don’t want to see each other falter and don’t want to see each other die.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Deals collapse when communication falters.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vacillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacillate. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vacillate

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