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.

He seemed to hesitate after the U.S.-Iran cease-fire began in April.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 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

When food was available, they did not hesitate to feed on the remains of dead animals, even down to the last scraps.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on April 24 that the probe was closed, although she said she wouldn’t hesitate to reopen it.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

“I fear you would hesitate, and yet you know you are my own—my wife!” he cried, then called for everyone in the house to come up the stairs.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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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