Definitions

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.

When food was available, they did not hesitate to feed on the remains of dead animals, even down to the last scraps.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

McKinney wouldn’t hesitate to protect the city’s residents, “regardless of who’s in the White House.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Still, when the time came for the Rams to make the 13th overall pick, they didn’t hesitate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

To the extent that stops, we wouldn’t hesitate to pursue proxy fights, the weapon of choice in such situations.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Something about the man’s behavior made me hesitate.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing hesitate

List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Frindle

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!