VACILLATION Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

vacillation

noun

ˌva-sə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of vacillation

as in hesitation

a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action the president was soundly criticized for his vacillation before responding to the crisis

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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 vacillation Indeed, at least some of the vacillations seem to be driven by public opinion. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 This is familiar territory for singular sports figures; think of how, over three seasons of 100 Foot Wave, big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara has opened up about his own vacillation between craving dominance and fearing irrelevance. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026 Energy policy vacillation in the US is spooking investors and leaving the country less prepared to compete in the global economy. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026 Your corrupt presidency of graft, vengeance and ceaseless vacillation between loudly complaining and loudly boasting has become like a jackhammer outside our collective window every day since your inauguration. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vacillation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacillation

Noun

After some hesitation, the co-anchor finally placed his crown on his head.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The slowdown in investment was put down to government hesitation over changes to Italy’s domestic tax incentive for TV shows and films.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Noun

Opposition or hesitancy has been less focused on Hasan's death sentence which has broad support among Republicans, but on the decision to broadcast it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Consider the party’s hesitancy in addressing the financial ramifications of China’s demographic decline.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitancy

Noun

However, Pritzker’s hesitance to deploy a comprehensive solution to data centers could be his Achilles’ heel in the primaries.

— Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Dexter grapples with killing her, but Rudy eventually can’t handle Dexter’s hesitance and takes the knife into his own hands—and nearly plunges it into Debra’s chest before Dexter stops him.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026

Definition of hesitance

Noun

While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of pause

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vacillating

vacillation

vacuate

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“Vacillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacillation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of vacillation

noun

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