FALTER Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'falter' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of falter are hesitate , vacillate , and waver . While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," 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 'falter'?

The words hesitate and falter can be used in similar contexts, but hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing. // hesitated before answering the question

Q: When is 'vacillate' a more appropriate choice than 'falter'?

The synonyms vacillate and falter are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision. // vacillated until events were out of control

Q: In what contexts can 'waver' take the place of 'falter'?

In some situations, the words waver and falter are roughly equivalent. However, waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat. // wavered in his support of the rebels

falter

verb

ˈfȯl-tər

Definition of falter next

as in to hesitate

to show uncertainty about the right course of action William Lloyd Garrison never once faltered in his demand that slavery be unconditionally abolished

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tremble

to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side the cut tree seemed to falter for a moment before crashing to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb falter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of falter are hesitate, vacillate, and waver. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," 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 falter?

The words hesitate and falter can be used in similar contexts, but hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When is vacillate a more appropriate choice than falter?

The synonyms vacillate and falter are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

In what contexts can waver take the place of falter?

In some situations, the words waver and falter are roughly equivalent. However, 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 falter Although consumers have options, concerns over driving range and charging time have contributed to faltering sales of electric vehicles in California. —

Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024 This contemplative film paints a picture of a city paralyzed by a deep economic crisis, a faltering revolution, and a looming doomsday. —

Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 The former Ajax boss has so far failed to impose his own ideas on the Old Trafford team and that is manifesting itself in the faltering form of Zirkzee. —

Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Wall Street is about to get hit with the newsiest week yet ahead of the election — just as the stock market has started to falter. —

Sarah Min, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for falter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter

Verb

But because spinners are so popular now, many hunters hesitate to run them, especially on pressured ducks.

Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Don’t hesitate to do your best and implement a change that stimulates personal growth or self-improvement.

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024