teeters
Rocks back forth
Teeters means wobbles unsteadily or rocks back and forth on an unstable base: The vase teetered on the edge of the table.
The word often implies being close to falling or tipping over.
Figuratively, to teeter is to be in a precarious position between two states: The company teeters on the brink of bankruptcy.
A teeter-totter is a seesaw.
Unsteady side-to-side movements
- tottersMoves unsteadily, nearly falling
- swaysMoves rhythmically sideways
- rocksSolid mineral pieces
- tiltsInclines from vertical
tips · seesaws · pivots · balances · perches · hovers · hangs · equilibrium
Unsteady side-to-side movements
- shakesTrembling or vibrating movements
- waversFails to decide
- faltersLoses steadiness or confidence
- staggersMoves with unsteady gait
lurches · trembles · quivers · unsteady · shaky · precarious · unstable · rickety
Fails to decide
- vacillatesFluctuates between positions
- hesitatesShows momentary indecision
- dithersHesitates with agitation
- oscillatesMoves rhythmically between points
fluctuates · seesaws · uncertain · ambivalent · torn · undecided · irresolute · wishy-washy
wobbles
Unsteady side-to-side movements
tilts · tips · seesaws · pivots · balances · perches · hovers · hangs · equilibrium · fulcrum
wobbles
Unsteady side-to-side movements
staggers · lurches · trembles · quivers · unsteady · shaky · precarious · unstable · rickety · fragile
wavers
Fails to decide
- vacillatesFluctuates between positions
- hesitatesShows momentary indecision
- dithersHesitates with agitation
oscillates · fluctuates · seesaws · uncertain · ambivalent · torn · undecided · irresolute · wishy-washy · on the fence
teetersstabilizes
Makes firm or steady
solidifies · secures · establishes · entrenches · cements
- teeter totterPivoting playground board