Synonyms of vacillation

vacillation

noun

ˌva-sə-ˈlā-shən 

as in hesitation

a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action

the president was soundly criticized for his vacillation before responding to the crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitation
• hesitancy
• hesitance
• pause
• indecision
• irresolution
• delay
• wavering
• deliberation
• uncertainty
• faltering
• wobbling
• fence-sitting
• shilly-shallying
• doubt
• waiting
• shilly-shally
• reluctance
• indecisiveness
• procrastination
• indetermination
• hawing
• incertitude
• debate
• consideration
• second thought
• equivocation
• unwillingness
• timidity
• avoidance
• indisposition
• misgiving
• arrière-pensée
• faintheartedness
• disinclination
• uncertainness
• timidness
• aversion
• shyness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• determination
• resolution
• certainty
• confidence
• firmness
• certitude
• decisiveness
• readiness
• eagerness
• sureness
• resoluteness
• alacrity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vacillation

Indeed, at least some of the vacillations seem to be driven by public opinion. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026

This is familiar territory for singular sports figures; think of how, over three seasons of 100 Foot Wave, big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara has opened up about his own vacillation between craving dominance and fearing irrelevance. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026

Energy policy vacillation in the US is spooking investors and leaving the country less prepared to compete in the global economy. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Your corrupt presidency of graft, vengeance and ceaseless vacillation between loudly complaining and loudly boasting has become like a jackhammer outside our collective window every day since your inauguration. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026