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.

I hesitated, wondering if saying “yes” would make me seem like I was advocating for my own replacement.

From MarketWatch

He nodded sadly and hesitated for a moment, and I wished I could scoop the air around me and pull those words back into my mouth.

From Literature

Most people recognize the familiar situation at a restaurant or dinner party when one plate arrives early and the person served hesitates to start eating.

From Science Daily

Looking under the hood, issuers found reasons to hesitate.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We won't hesitate to investigate where we suspect companies are failing in their duties, especially where there's a risk of harm to children."

From BBC

hesitate

Example Sentences

Related Words