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.

Also, ship owners might hesitate to send vessels back into the Persian Gulf amid concerns the cease-fire could collapse, potentially leaving ships stranded once again, according to the analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 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

Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth says she did not hesitate when making the decision to retire from football at the end of the season.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

She never seemed to hesitate, as if she always had the right words waiting on the tip of her tongue.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

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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