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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.

Publishing a forecast that differs significantly from competitors’ amounts to throwing your weight behind a strong trading recommendation, so many economists hesitate to go out on a limb.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

While vasectomies are considered long-term, many men hesitate to undergo the procedure, even though reversal surgery is sometimes possible.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

A spokesperson for the Prison and Probation Service said: "As this case shows, we do not hesitate to send offenders back to prison if they break the rules."

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Overall, if LNG is seen as too volatile, countries may hesitate to build infrastructure around it at all.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

I hesitate because he’s definitely not doing a pattern, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison