vacillate
verb (used without object)
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
vacillated
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past participleof vacillate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof vacillate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
vacillateverb (used without object)to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
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.
In the 2000s, the company vacillated between a fashion-forward and a basics-focused approach—neither of which helped sales much.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
His children, Kelly and Jack, vacillated between showering him with affection and berating him for not catering to their whims.
From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2025
Her parents vacillated between wanting to take a hard line and accommodating Olivia’s apparent limitations for the sake of ease.
From Slate ● Jan. 4, 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
My love for him vacillated from one entry to another.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
