TOTTERING Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

tottering 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtä-tə-riŋ

Definition of tottering

as in shaking

marked by or given to small uncontrollable bodily movements after the accident, she was only able to take a few tottering steps at a time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tottering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of totter

as in staggering

to move forward while swaying from side to side tottered around the house as she practiced walking in high heels

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in faltering

to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side the figurine tottered precariously for a moment before falling off the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of tottering

Adjective

Neither of them understands the other’s dynamic with Daniel, and the split-episode format keeps our sympathies teeter-tottering between each woman. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025

Verb

In an accompanying cartoon, Spark is caricatured as a sulking giant, tottering above the Tuscan countryside in a pair of high heels. — Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Models are tottering on the cobblestoned Bond Street with their heels getting stuck in the rivets. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026 Now, even that tiny effort is tottering. — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tottering

Adjective

The ending of Nola’s outing was much shakier than the beginning.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
While retail sales remain strong, consumer confidence is still shaky and many households feel increasingly uneasy about their financial futures.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of shaky

Verb

The works depicted broken figures staggering toward the viewer in ragged uniforms — in distorted sizes, giant hands and small heads.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
The works depicted broken figures staggering toward the viewer in ragged uniforms — in distorted sizes, giant hand and small heads.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026

Definition of staggering

Verb

Two decades’ worth of Chinese investments in research and foreign policy are coming into bloom, Osnos writes, at the same moment that America is faltering on the world stage.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
The Athletic spoke to those close to Rooney — who did so anonymously to protect relationships — about his transformation from faltering broadcaster to one of the bright points of the national broadcaster’s coverage.

— Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of faltering

Verb

The United States, which had been lurching toward entry in the Second World War, was suddenly and inescapably thrust into global conflict.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Republicans see Democrats lurching to the left and embracing socialism as an opening to link their opponents to the far more radical communism.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of lurching

Verb

Noe negotiated with Li Shan in a pidgin mix of French, English, and Cantonese as the workers fanned out on the wobbling platform, slipping on the slick bodies and shells of the catch.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
If symptoms escalate to vomiting, wobbling or bright red gums, get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of wobbling

Verb

Babylon 5 followed the diplomats, soldiers, and drifters aboard the station, built as neutral ground between humans and a handful of alien civilizations teetering on the edge of war.

— JP Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
With the Miami Marlins teetering on the brink of a free fall a month and a half ago, manager Clayton McCullough presented a brief message to his players during a team meeting.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of teetering

Verb

The tech leaders were the tailors, weaving something elaborate out of nothing.

— Jeremy Macliver, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The carry-on, medium, and large suitcase all feature durable hardshell exteriors, TSA locks, and spinner wheels that make weaving through crowded terminals much easier.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaving

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tottered

tottering

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Style

“Tottering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tottering. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tottering

adjective

verb

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