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
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
Trump vacillated about federal funding for the Kennedy Center during his first administration, variously defending and criticizing federal funding for it.
—
Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump tapped Musk to lead DOGE, but the administration’s description of Musk’s role has also vacillated between heading DOGE and working as a senior adviser with no DOGE authority, depending on the context of the situation.
—Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Mar. 2025
Even her bark is indecisive, like a steam whistle that vacillates between two unpleasant notes.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Guerrero, on the other hand, has vacillated more, especially over the last two seasons.
—Tim Britton, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vacillate
Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump tapped Musk to lead DOGE, but the administration’s description of Musk’s role has also vacillated between heading DOGE and working as a senior adviser with no DOGE authority, depending on the context of the situation.
—Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Mar. 2025
Even her bark is indecisive, like a steam whistle that vacillates between two unpleasant notes.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Guerrero, on the other hand, has vacillated more, especially over the last two seasons.
—Tim Britton, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vacillate
Cite this Entry
“Vacillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacillate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share