1
as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side
tottered around the house as she practiced walking in high heels
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to falter
to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side
the figurine tottered precariously for a moment before falling off the shelf
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of totter
If the bottom falls out of, say, the Chinese real-estate market—among the largest asset classes in the world—the entire global economy could totter.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
The suspect, age 34, tottered out from a rear holding area in an orange DOC jumpsuit that was a size or two too large for his reed-thin frame.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
Following the screening, guests caught Miu Miu cabs—or tottered the 10 minutes by foot—to Langan’s Brasserie.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
Then there's the small, sweet moments—video of my goddaughter tottering in her first pair of shoes; my cat caught mid-yawn; a selfie of me and my dad on a date to the symphony.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for totter
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
The suspect, age 34, tottered out from a rear holding area in an orange DOC jumpsuit that was a size or two too large for his reed-thin frame.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
Following the screening, guests caught Miu Miu cabs—or tottered the 10 minutes by foot—to Langan’s Brasserie.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
Then there's the small, sweet moments—video of my goddaughter tottering in her first pair of shoes; my cat caught mid-yawn; a selfie of me and my dad on a date to the symphony.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for totter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totter
Verb
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The law staggers the commissioners’ five-year terms so the president may appoint a new member annually.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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In March, 1945, as the war staggered to a close, some two hundred Hungarian Jewish forced laborers were executed near Rechnitz.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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If the book falters, the production numbers – some based on famous Marilyn images and tropes, like the Seven Year Itch‘s subway grate scene, and the Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend bit – are suitably flashy.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Even before the tariffs, Tesla’s business was faltering.—
Lora Kolodny,Ari Levy,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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My stomach dropped as my seat lurched backwards, pointing me towards the shoreline.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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As the war lurched into its fourth year, Russian losses of tanks, fighting vehicles and other heavy equipment had exceeded 20,000, according to the analysts at the Oryx intelligence collective, which confirms each loss with imagery from the front line.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Cursor no longer trembles when building pavement and moving the camera in the Hideout building mode.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
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The clip shows the small dog trembling in the passenger seat of Shae's car, looking very weary and wide-eyed.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Spurs also thrashed City 4-0 at the Etihad in the league back when Pep Guardiola’s defending champions were starting to wobble but were still second in the table.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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Taiwan has accidentally undermined its security in its attempt to remain central to American policy and international energy dynamics and is wobbling on the tightrope.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The back-and-forth over tariffs shook confidence in U.S. leadership, exposed fractures within Trump’s team and rattled companies that rely on global sources for products and international customers for sales.—
Time,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
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Dredge both sides of chicken breasts with flour mixture, pressing to adhere, shake off any excess.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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He’s enjoyed his journey so far, rocking stages from small venues, such as nightclubs, to even having a brief performance at Rolling Loud.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Investors looking for winners in the age of AI should follow the advice of Don Valentine, the late founder of Sequoia Capital. Tariffs and tech—these twin forces are rocking the world, from markets to militaries.—
Rich Karlgaard,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totter. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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