VACILLATE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vacillate

verb

ˈva-sə-ˌlāt

Definition of vacillate next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples 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 By this measurement, Milton would have remained a Category 5 until mid-Wednesday rather than vacillating between 4 and 5. —

Alec Luhn, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024 Their subterranean seaside stone bunker is awesome, as is the film’s score, which vacillates between free jazz, drone, and psych guitar. —

Katie Rife, Vulture, 21 June 2024 With tension around the upcoming presidential election thick in the air, most of us are vacillating somewhere between slightly uneasy and borderline insane. —

Alyssa Shelasky, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024 The Indian National Congress, the BJP’s primary adversary and traditionally the more socially progressive party at the national level, is one of several key players to have vacillated over the issue. —

Deepa Das Acevedo, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2019 See all Example Sentences for vacillate