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.

Anja Hohmeyer, Specialist Prosecutor from the CPS, said the agency "will not hesitate to prosecute those who seek to profit from conflict".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Asked how he had viewed the Rams from afar, Garrett did not hesitate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Risk proxies should start the week firmer on U.S.-Iran de-escalation hopes, but FX markets may hesitate to chase gains as details around Iran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment remain unclear, the bank says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

I ease my hand out of Mom’s and hesitate at the door.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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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