FALTER Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

falter

verb

ˈfȯl-tər

Definition of falter next

as in to hesitate

to show uncertainty about the right course of action William Lloyd Garrison never once faltered in his demand that slavery be unconditionally abolished

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tremble

to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side the cut tree seemed to falter for a moment before crashing to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Long the top-selling Chinese carmaker in Europe, the once-British sports-car brand has faltered recently, logging a 58% drop in registrations in November, based on data provided by Jato Dynamics, another research firm. —

Peter Chapman, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2025 San Jose’s faltering passenger activity represents a setback. —

George Avalos, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 Its interior defense also faltered, giving the Lakers multiple free lanes to the rim. —

Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Her breaking point came during a task that repeatedly pulled the interlocked participants under frigid water: The soggy Sutter faltered when running from the beach with a 30-pound rucksack. —

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for falter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for falter

Verb

Such tools can be game-changers for individuals who, for any number of deeply human reasons, hesitate to seek care.

— Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
But in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal , Warren Buffett’s middle child Howard, who will eventually become Berkshire’s nonexecutive chairman, hesitated when asked about Berkshire’s future dividend policy.

— Yun Li, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025