faltering 1 of 3

noun

Definition of falteringnext
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action when it's so clear that this is the right thing to do, there's no excuse for faltering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

faltering

2 of 3

adjective

as in wobbly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

faltering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of falter
1
as in hesitating
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in trembling
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for faltering
  1. hesitation
  2. pause
  3. uncertain
  4. hesitancy
  5. unsure
  6. shaking
  7. hesitance
  8. irresolute
Noun
  • While the women are coming in oozing with persona and charisma, there is still a sense of hesitation in trying to mark their territory.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
  • In new partnerships, there’s often a sense of hesitation as both sides gauge each other’s commitment.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of hesitation
Noun
  • For months now, 8 million borrowers enrolled in SAVE have been on pause, not being asked to make payments while the courts slowly decide whether the repayment plan is legal.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 19 Nov. 2024
  • But the return of Terry Silver and that horrible Sekai Taikai tragedy seemed to put any hope for romance on pause, at least for now.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 19 Nov. 2024
Definition of pause
Adjective
  • Our data is optimistic, but the politics is uncertain.
    James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Even with a Republican Congress, some of this could prove difficult — and the potential fallout is uncertain at best.
    Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Definition of uncertain
Noun
  • The event signals a substantial nod of confidence in Harris from a critical part of the LGBTQ+ community that has historically eyed her with hesitancy.
    Condé Nast, Them, 15 Aug. 2024
  • Many attribute their hesitancy to the perception that physicians are unwilling or unable to help.
    Henry Bair, STAT, 31 July 2024
Definition of hesitancy
Adjective
  • The Nuggets were unsure when Jokic would re-join the team as of Friday evening before the opening tip.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
  • This fear and trauma have left her feeling isolated and unsure of how to seek help.
    Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Definition of unsure
Verb
  • Let the potatoes and garlic stand in the pot for 1 minute, shaking the pan occasionally, until the liquid evaporates.
    Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024
  • That makes these companies almost impossible to change without industry-shaking upheaval.
    Nilay Patel, The Verge, 3 Oct. 2024
Definition of shaking
Noun
  • His bouts with his command bring some hesitance to fully trust him, but he’s shown signs of positive development.
    Sahadev Sharma, The Athletic, 9 July 2024
  • In its hesitance to allow women to express negative emotion, House of the Dragon leaves them feeling curiously detached.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 July 2024
Definition of hesitance
Adjective
  • The prevailing sense among investors and market handicappers entering the month was to expect choppy, irresolute action full of potential scares.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2024
  • Showing signs of being irresolute can signal weakness that adversaries take note of.
    Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2024
Definition of irresolute
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near faltering

faltered

faltering

falteringly

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Cite this Entry

“Faltering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faltering. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on faltering

Nglish: Translation of faltering for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of faltering for Arabic Speakers

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