vacillate

[ˈvæsəleɪt]

vacillate Definition

  • 1to keep changing your opinion or thoughts about something, especially in a way that annoys other people
  • 2to sway unsteadily; waver; totter; stagger

Using vacillate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vacillate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He vacillated between accepting the job and turning it down.

  • Example

    The president has been criticized for vacillating on key issues.

  • Example

    She vacillated for weeks before finally making a decision.

  • Example

    The candle flame vacillated in the breeze.

vacillate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for vacillate

Antonyms for vacillate

Phrases with vacillate

  • to alternate or waver between two choices or opinions

    Example

    She vacillated between staying in her current job and pursuing a new career.

  • to be indecisive or uncertain about a particular issue or decision

    Example

    The politician has been known to vacillate on important policy matters.

  • to be undecided or hesitant about something

    Example

    He vacillated over whether to attend the party or stay home.

Origins of vacillate

from Latin 'vacillare', meaning 'to sway, oscillate'

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Summary: vacillate in Brief

The verb 'vacillate' [ˈvæsəleɪt] means to change one's opinion or thoughts about something, often annoying others. It can also mean to sway unsteadily. Examples include 'He vacillated between accepting the job and turning it down.' and 'The candle flame vacillated in the breeze.' 'Vacillate' is often used with prepositions like 'between,' 'on,' and 'over.'