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

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 Louise makes a video in response stating that Joe’s claims are utterly false, leading Joe’s credibility to falter. Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2025 Ultimately, though, the set felt a bit overlong, especially during the final third with newer material and a couple piano tunes, and the crowd’s energy started to falter a bit during the final half-hour of day two of the Minnesota Yacht Club. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025 Although officials have long acknowledged the risk of flooding near the Guadalupe River, multiple efforts to build a more substantial flood warning system have faltered or been abandoned due to budget concerns. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 8 July 2025 Skills Even with the best tools, untrained teams falter. Saby Waraich, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for falter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter
Verb
  • But in volatile and uncertain times, many leaders hesitate to act, and others simply freeze up.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 31 July 2025
  • If you’re selected for an interview, don’t hesitate to ask the hiring manager whether a degree is truly required or if relevant experience counts.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • The word originally referred to trembling from fear or cold, and later came to describe earth tremors (as in earthquake).
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The cobwebs under the jarrah tremble in the hot breeze; there are no beetles snagged in the webs today to rescue.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Thanks to the off-road suspension innovations of TOTAL CHAOS, the footage didn’t wobble a bit—not even at 70 miles per hour.
    Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 31 July 2025
  • Non-doms' recent exodus from the U.K. has caused London's luxury home market to wobble, with sales and prices falling in recent months.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shook hands in Scotland on Sunday after agreeing on the framework for a trade deal between two of the world’s biggest economies.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
  • Accompanied by her brother-in-law, Sen. Edward Kennedy, the former first lady was seen at N.Y.C.'s 21 Club — shaking hands with other frequenters.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • After finishing her schooling, Laine worked in a variety of day jobs, although her passion for performing never wavered.
    George Varga, Mercury News, 28 July 2025
  • Over the years, Brooke's relationship with both of her parents wavered.
    Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • All those sharp tool and drills are enough to make anyone shudder.
    Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 9 July 2025
  • My father seemed to crumple a little, shuddering, grabbing the edge of his desk to steady himself.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falter. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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