Showing results for vacillates.

vacillates

VERB

go back and forth

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dither fluctuate oscillate seesaw waffle waver

STRONG

alternate change hedge hesitate hover pause reel rock stagger straddle sway swing

WEAK

be indecisive be irresolute change mind fence-straddle hem and haw pussyfoot around run hot and cold shilly-shally whiffle yo-yo

Antonyms

STRONGEST

remain stay

STRONG

continue hold persist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is closer to music than epic, a mesmerizing suite of songs that conveys Tennyson’s private sorrow as he vacillates from unbearable agony to precarious hope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Peake’s staid and knowing portrayal stands in contrast and complement to that of Petticrew, whose resolute manner vacillates between a flinty swagger and true anguish.

From Salon • Nov. 14, 2024

Meanwhile, Merritt vacillates between despair at the prospect of her eviction and elation when she dreams of returning to Poplar Boulevard.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2024

She vacillates between optimism and despair over Iran’s future.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2023

"Truth stands true to her God; man alone vacillates."

From The Christian Foundation, Or, Scientific and Religious Journal, Volume I, No. 11, November, 1880 by Walker, Aaron