VACILLATIONS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of vacillation The vacillation has fueled criticism from those who say Trump lacks a clear goal. —

Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 President Trump’s vacillation— seeming a lot like appeasement— encourages Putin’s intransigence. —

U.s. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 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 Continued vacillation by all sides deepens the chasm of distrust among the signatories. —

Bisa Williams, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2020 See All Example Sentences for vacillation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacillation

Noun

With far less hair, Ella’s green eyes seemed greener, like those of the feral black cats that roamed their hamlet, meowing for table scraps, which were often given without hesitation.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
The result is a workplace trapped between urgency and hesitation.

— Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026