Vacillate
hardNegative toneVAS-ih-layt
verb
Definition
To waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
Memory hook
VACILLate sounds like 'wobbly' - picture someone on a see-saw, unable to pick a side.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He vacillated between accepting the job and staying at his current position.”
“The government vacillated on its policy regarding climate change.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He ______ between accepting the job and staying at his current position.”
Show answer
vacillated
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Vacillate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "waver" or "oscillate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "resolve".
Related GRE Words
fluctuate
To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount
prevaricate
To speak or act evasively; to avoid telling the truth
equivocal
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
oscillate
to swing back and forth; waver between positions or states
indeterminate
Not exactly known, established, or defined; vague
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional; hesitant or uncertain
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