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.

Some online businesses hesitate about telling customers about low inventory, fearful they might shop elsewhere or refrain from buying anything else on their website.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Don’t hesitate to be cared for by physician associates like nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

And, on any given night, he didn’t hesitate to expand an improvisation to startling lengths, finding new ideas well beyond the imaginative limits of most jazz players.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

While he said that he wasn’t advocating for a hike, yet, he wouldn’t hesitate to if “expectations became unanchored.”

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

But I hesitate...and hesitate some more...and then Garrett says, in the faintest of whispers: “Do it, Alyssa.”

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing hesitate

List 3

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"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article

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Frindle

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