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 Mann, nearing 50, vacillated, hoping to salvage the old conservatism from the new extremism. —

George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 For the next five days in the pediatric ward, Nadine vacillated between moments of calm and kicking and screaming, but her vitals were steady. —

J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024 The bar world has been vacillating between maximalism and minimalism over the last few years. —

Scott Hocker, theweek, 4 Dec. 2024 During his 2024 campaign, Trump’s position has vacillated. —

Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vacillate