Synonyms of falter

falter

verb

ˈfȯl-tər 

1

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

• hesitate
• waver
• vacillate
• wait
• stagger
• halt
• hang back
• scruple
• debate
• dither
• pause
• wobble
• balance
• teeter
• linger
• sway
• shilly-shally
• delay
• ponder
• procrastinate
• haw
• dawdle
• weigh
• deliberate
• hem
• back down
• oscillate
• chicken (out)
• equivocate
• consider
• hedge
• waffle
• dally
• pussyfoot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• stir
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• advance
• budge

2

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

• tremble
• wobble
• shake
• waver
• shudder
• totter
• rock
• lurch
• vibrate
• stumble
• quiver
• flounder
• teeter
• stagger
• quake
• toddle
• reel
• quaver
• weave
• careen

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of falter

But global equity markets faltered Monday, reversing course as traffic on the strait once again ground to a halt. —Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

The Red Sox ace faltered early by allowing a couple of doubles, but from there the left-hander settled down and seemed to find his groove. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026

As funding falters, the need for city government to step into the shoes of philanthropists like Gund and Lauder becomes even more vital. —Gale Brewer, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026

After faltering in the crucial moments of its first postseason telecast, the stakes have now been raised for upcoming presentations. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2026