vacillate
verb (used without object)
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
vacillates
-
present tense formof vacillate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
It is closer to music than epic, a mesmerizing suite of songs that conveys Tennyson’s private sorrow as he vacillates from unbearable agony to precarious hope.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026
When he isn’t mugging for Reed’s camera he vacillates between a stony-faced refusal to admit guilt and an approximation of remorse.
From Salon ● Mar. 26, 2024
The rhythmic language vacillates widely between insistent pulse and total freedom.
From New York Times ● Jun. 9, 2022
But it wouldn’t be a reach to believe the NBA legend’s criticism of his portrayal in the show — as a tempestuous and profane malcontent who vacillates between anger and despair — helped boost ratings.
From Washington Post ● May 15, 2022
The conflict of diametrically opposing forces shows itself plainly in his attitude which vacillates between the stiffest formality and the easiest assurance.
From Poise: How to Attain It by D. Starke
