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.

To the extent that stops, we wouldn’t hesitate to pursue proxy fights, the weapon of choice in such situations.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

"For many families, securing that amount is difficult - and with the risk of visa rejection, they hesitate," says Sushil Sukhwani of consultancy Edwise Overseas Education.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

But neither should passengers hesitate to approach a flight attendant about their comfort.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

More than 20 countries have said they are ready to help “ensure safe passage through the strait,” but many of them will hesitate to enter an active war zone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

I hesitate, because I don’t want it anymore.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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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