What is another word for vacillate?

1113 synonyms found

Pronunciation:

[ vˈasɪlˌe͡ɪt], [ vˈasɪlˌe‍ɪt], [ v_ˈa_s_ɪ_l_ˌeɪ_t]

When we say someone is vacillating, we mean they are indecisive and uncertain about something. Some synonyms for vacillate include waver, fluctuate, hesitate, dither, and oscillate. They all suggest a lack of firmness and consistency in thought or action. Wavering suggests being unsteady, while fluctuating implies a continuous rise and fall. Hesitate implies pausing before taking action, while dither suggests being unsure and wasting time. Oscillate suggests a back-and-forth motion, like a pendulum. Regardless of which synonym is used, they all convey the idea of a person being unable to make up their mind or stick to a decision.

Related words: vacillate between, fluctuate, fluctuation, waver, oscillate, flip-flopping, tergiversate

Related questions:

  • What does vacillate mean?

    Synonyms for Vacillate:

    How to use "Vacillate" in context?

    When we vacillate, we jump from one decision to another but never settle on one. This can make it hard to make decisions and sometimes lead to trouble. vacillate has both positive and negative connotations, but in general it means to waver or oscillate between different positions. vacillating between jobs, friends, and ideas can be frustrating and time-consuming, but it's also a characteristic of creativity and flexibility. vacillation can also mean to oscillate back and forth between two emotions, or to fluctuate between two body temperatures. vacillation can be a sign of instability, but it can also be a sign of growth.

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