Synonyms of falter

falter

verb

ˈfȯl-tər 

1

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

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

• tremble
• wobble
• shake
• waver
• shudder
• rock
• totter
• lurch
• vibrate
• wabble
• stumble
• quiver
• flounder
• teeter
• stagger
• quake
• toddle
• reel
• quaver
• weave
• careen

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of falter

And once again, the Northern Irishman is faltering under it. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

While Noboa initially received high praise for his hard line moves against international and local trafficking groups, his policies have faltered of late. —Carrie Kahn, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025

The cast never faltered, but their energy had no focus. —Jeffrey Seller, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025

If the book falters, the production numbers – some based on famous Marilyn images and tropes, like the Seven Year Itch‘s subway grate scene, and the Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend bit – are suitably flashy. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025