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.

Woodson embraced the “conservative” label, but he was neither partisan nor especially ideological and didn’t hesitate to criticize Republican approaches to helping the black poor.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

And, on any given night, he didn’t hesitate to expand an improvisation to startling lengths, finding new ideas well beyond the imaginative limits of most jazz players.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

While he said that he wasn’t advocating for a hike, yet, he wouldn’t hesitate to if “expectations became unanchored.”

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

Again, she looked tentative against New Zealand's seamers, who exploited the conditions perfectly after captain Kerr did not hesitate in choosing to bowl first.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

She never seemed to hesitate, as if she always had the right words waiting on the tip of her tongue.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Vocabulary lists containing hesitate

List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Frindle

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!