hesitate

[hez-i-teyt] / ˈhɛz ɪˌteɪt /

VERB

wait; be uncertain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

balk dither falter pause ponder stumble waffle waver

STRONG

alternate balance dally debate defer delay demur dillydally doubt equivocate flounder fluctuate fumble hang hedge hover linger oscillate pussyfoot scruple seesaw shift shrink stammer stop straddle stutter swerve tergiversate vacillate weigh

WEAK

be irresolute be reluctant be unwilling blow hot and cold hang back hem and haw hold back hold off pull back shy away sit on fence think about think twice

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue persist

STRONG

advance agree do well expedite face go go along hasten hurry meet remain rush stay

WEAK

attack carry on go ahead persevere resolve

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.

More than 20 countries have said they are ready to help “ensure safe passage through the strait,” but many of them will hesitate to enter an active war zone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Overall, if LNG is seen as too volatile, countries may hesitate to build infrastructure around it at all.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

While those issues have improved, many physicians still hesitate to prescribe them.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

“Any reports of unfair practices or market manipulation will be taken seriously, and we will not hesitate to refer any illegal conduct for further investigation and prosecution.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

I hesitate, not sure that I want to tell her more than I already have.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

hesitate

Example Sentences

Related Words