# vacillate

**Pronunciation:** /ˈvæsɪleɪt/ · VAS-i-layt

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning 1: when describing indecision

Waver between different opinions, actions, or decisions.

## Examples

- She continued to vacillate between accepting the job offer and staying in her current role.
- The committee vacillated for weeks before finally reaching a consensus on the budget.
- Investors began to vacillate as the market showed signs of extreme instability.

## Meaning 2: when describing physical movement

To sway or stagger unsteadily (archaic/literary).

## Examples

- The old bridge seemed to vacillate under the weight of the heavy wind.
- He vacillated slightly as he stood up from the chair after a long illness.
- The tall grass vacillated in the breeze.

## Synonyms

- waver — General term for being uncertain or unsteady.
- hesitate — Pausing before acting due to doubt.
- dither — Acting in a nervous, indecisive way.
- oscillate — Swinging back and forth between two extremes.

## Antonyms

- decide — Making a firm choice.
- resolve — Committing firmly to a course of action.

## Common patterns

- vacillate between — To be unable to choose between two options. — He vacillated between anger and sadness.
- vacillate on — To be indecisive regarding a specific topic. — The board continued to vacillate on the new policy.

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