Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for hesitate. Search instead for hesitati.
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.

States that welcome these facilities will attract investment, while those that hesitate will see projects shift to competitors such as New Hampshire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

“Any reports of unfair practices or market manipulation will be taken seriously, and we will not hesitate to refer any illegal conduct for further investigation and prosecution.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

For a moment, I hesitate, feel my paws drawn toward the stream, the need in the pups’ eyes to help them clean up, the command in my parents’ stances.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz