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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.

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

In a speech on Wednesday, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the bank wouldn’t hesitate in a “forceful or persistent” response should eurozone inflation rise significantly from its 2% target.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 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

While those issues have improved, many physicians still hesitate to prescribe them.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

Razi thought he saw Zheng hesitate for a millisecond before he answered.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.