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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 Trump himself has vacillated between siding with the populist and nationalist conservatives who have been his enduring supporters, many of them seeking a new blue-collar GOP, and businesses claiming to be starved for labor. —

W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Dec. 2024 Charli’s beats are tailor-made for the club, with lyrics vacillating between braggadocious bombast to reflections on grief and insecurity. —

Scottie Andrew, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 His behavior also vacillated between fear and calmness. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024 Pushing Around the Edges As the years passed and no legislative fix came, the IRS vacillated on what to do about the limited partner loophole. —

Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vacillate