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View synonyms for vacillate

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌvacilˈlation, noun
  • ˈvacilˌlator, noun
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Other Words From

  • vac·il·la·tor noun
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vacillate1

C16: from Latin vacillāre to sway, of obscure origin
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Synonym Study

See waver 1.
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Example Sentences

On that front, the country and the world have been stuck in a sort of perpetual purgatory, vacillating between priorities and half-measures in a way that leaves no one safe or satisfied.

From Vox

The show spends so much time vacillating between styles that it neglects to move what should be a thrilling plot forward.

From Time

A global shortage of computer chips, brought on by vacillating demand and supply chain issues, is currently rippling through device-makers, of course, but also makers of cars, vacuum cleaners, and stove vents.

Remember, it’s usually the case that the presidential vote will vacillate a bit in a state as more- or less-popular candidates earn their parties’ nominations.

He vacillated between bold proclamations of his faith in God and wrenching grief and confusion.

I kind of self-edit that out of the history, but they did vacillate for quite a while.

It seems like you vacillate between 10 and 20 members at any given time.

Van der Sloot appears to vacillate between apologetic and aloof in his response, captured on hidden camera.

Whether the habit is some fundamental moral habit or the multiplication table, be consistent, do not vacillate.

The double character which pertained to the Popes made them perpetually vacillate between two contradictory systems of policy.

It is a sure knowledge, that does not gaze and vacillate hither and thither according to its own thoughts.

He may have more money one year than another, but his better fortunes never vacillate.

Coxon continued to vacillate between submission to the Governor of Jamaica and open rebellion.

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vacillantvacillating