Vacillate
To waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive.
verbVacillate
To waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive.
verbImagine This
A person stands at a crossroads, repeatedly flipping a coin and stepping toward one path, then back to the other, unable to commit to a choice.
Sounds Like
VAS-uh-layt
Looks Like
The word contains VAC- (empty) and -LATE, hinting at a mind not settled on a single decision; the repeated consonants (ll) visually suggest fluctuation.
Remember This
Vacillate is often used to describe mental indecision about choices or opinions; it is closely related to oscillate and waver.
Other Forms
Connect With
oscillate, waver, hesitate, dither, flip-flop, indecision
Note
Do not confuse vacillate with vacate (to leave or abandon) or validate; they have different meanings. Use vacillate for indecision, not for physical movement.