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.

She made her debut in “Do Not Hesitate, Young Folks!”

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2015

I did not mean to disobey you—I only hesitated——" "Hesitate no more.

From The Wide, Wide World by Warner, Susan

"Hesitate to disturb a major, and all that," Dalrymple said as he entered.

From The Guarded Heights by Camp, Wadsworth

Hesitate, when the poor fellow may be dying of fright?

From The Kopje Garrison A Story of the Boer War by Boucher, W.

Hesitate not, or—” “Shall I be allowed to depart from here if I tell, child of the Umlimo?” she gasped eagerly.

From John Ames, Native Commissioner A Romance of the Matabele Rising by Mitford, Bertram

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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