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 This hesitation was not the result of vacillating between options in indecision, but an active and regulated brain process to pause before acting due to environmental uncertainty. —

Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026 Trump has vacillated in his public statements on the deal. —

Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Aaron Peskin, another supervisor who leaned left, said that Newsom vacillated all the way to the end, as if awaiting the arrival of new information. —

Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026 While on the stand, Bianchi vacillated between different versions of his story and denied several elements of his original confession. —

Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vacillate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacillate

Verb

Don’t hesitate to step away if things get too heated.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Evaluate your silver investment options with precision, then, and don't hesitate to use the experts associated with precious metal investing companies who can better assist you and help you get started securely.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of hesitate

Browse Nearby Words

vacations

vacillate

vacillated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vacillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacillate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of vacillate

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on vacillate

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

verdant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Apr. 3

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Games & Quizzes