hesitated

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.

See Examples For:

hesitated

They hesitated as they questioned who would ultimately have to pay for the extra firefighters and equipment they ordered.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

Continental was one of several U.S. oil companies that had hesitated for months to commit large amounts of capital to Venezuela.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

But, even so, she hesitated for years before speaking out, partly because she "really, really" doesn't want to hurt people.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Catalina Sanchez, a 64-year-old secretary who celebrated with her daughters until 4:00 am, hesitated to remove her sunglasses as she headed to work.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

She hesitated, and Kin heaved a sigh and said, “I’m not gonna steal it.”

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack