vacillate

[ vas-uh-leyt ]

verb (used without object)

, vac·il·lat·ed, vac·il·lat·ing.

1. to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute:

   His tendency to vacillate makes him a poor leader.

   Synonyms: hesitate

2. to sway unsteadily; waver; totter; stagger.

   Synonyms: reel

3. to oscillate or fluctuate.

vacillate

/ ˈvæsɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to fluctuate in one's opinions; be indecisive
2. to sway from side to side physically; totter or waver

Derived Forms

• ˌvacilˈlation, noun
• ˈvacilˌlator, noun

Other Words From

• vac·il·la·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacillate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin vacillātus (past participle of vacillāre “to sway to and fro”); -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacillate¹

C16: from Latin vacillāre to sway, of obscure origin

Synonym Study

See waver ¹.

Example Sentences

You have to see it so many times because you have to vacillate between watching the show and watching the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

His commanding presence and ability to vacillate between one-liners and earnest remarks also reminded me a lot of the way Rivers conducted himself.

From Los Angeles Times

The West's impressive show of unity displayed in 2022, and that endured throughout 2023, is starting to vacillate.

From BBC

Newsom and the Legislature can vacillate until next spring to negotiate a bond package for the November ballot.

From Los Angeles Times

But Mr. Putin seemed to vacillate on his own support for Mr. Prigozhin.

From New York Times

Related Words

• dither
• fluctuate
• oscillate
• seesaw
• waffle
• waver