vacillate
verb (used without object)
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
has vacillated
-
present perfectof vacillate (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Washington has vacillated between pressing Europe to hit China with tariffs to cutting its own deals with Beijing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025
UCLA’s energy level in practice has vacillated wildly the last few weeks, with seemingly little correlation to results.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2024
Its leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has vacillated on when the Hungarian Parliament will vote, although he insists that Hungary has no objection to membership of either Nordic country.
From New York Times ● Mar. 17, 2023
And Tatum, who has vacillated between high-impact and invisible play against Milwaukee, couldn’t miss during the decisive stretch, finishing with a game-high 46 points to seal Boston’s 108-95 Game 6 victory.
From Washington Post ● May 13, 2022
But he has vacillated, turning hither and thither, serving God and Mammon.
From John Caldigate by Anthony Trollope
