vacillation

noun

vac·​il·​la·​tion ˌva-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce vacillation (audio)
Synonyms of vacillationnext
1
: an act or instance of vacillating
2
: inability to take a stand : irresolution, indecision

Examples of vacillation in a Sentence

the president was soundly criticized for his vacillation before responding to the crisis
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Indeed, at least some of the vacillations seem to be driven by public opinion. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 This is familiar territory for singular sports figures; think of how, over three seasons of 100 Foot Wave, big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara has opened up about his own vacillation between craving dominance and fearing irrelevance. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026 Energy policy vacillation in the US is spooking investors and leaving the country less prepared to compete in the global economy. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026 Your corrupt presidency of graft, vengeance and ceaseless vacillation between loudly complaining and loudly boasting has become like a jackhammer outside our collective window every day since your inauguration. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vacillation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vacillacion, borrowed from Latin vacillātiōn-, vacillātiō, from vacillāre "to be unsteady, vacillate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vacillation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Vacillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vacillation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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