Synonyms of vacillate

vacillate

verb

ˈva-sə-ˌlāt 

as in to hesitate

to show uncertainty about the right course of action

vacillated for so long that someone else stepped in and made the decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitate
• falter
• waver
• dither
• debate
• scruple
• stagger
• wait
• hang back
• teeter
• halt
• wabble
• pause
• balance
• sway
• shilly-shally
• wobble
• linger
• ponder
• procrastinate
• haw
• dawdle
• delay
• weigh
• oscillate
• equivocate
• deliberate
• hem
• chicken (out)
• back down
• consider
• waffle
• hedge
• pussyfoot
• dally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• stir
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• advance
• budge

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

Recent Examples of vacillate

While the secretary of state has tempered any optimism with reasons to be concerned that a lasting agreement between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky can be reached, the president has vacillated between public frustration and casual confidence. —David Catanese, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025

Similarly, Kiki vacillates between a broad figure of oblivious privilege, not that far removed from Moore’s The Big Lebowski heiress, and a scrapper who feels just as insecure in this place as either sister. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025

Triunfo Canyon’s vacillating clime offers warm, direct sun on these south-facing-slope vines by day and cool breezes trapped from the coast by night. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

And the instability caused by the administration’s vacillating trade policy is radiating throughout the local logistics network. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 May 2025