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

Through the dodgiest situations, brother and sister do not hesitate to argue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

"Mr Albadri did not hang around or hesitate in any way," Pattison said.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Tanker owners said on Monday that they would hesitate before sending new vessels through the chokepoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

“Sandy said he might be gay, and I—” I hesitate, but I know there’s no point in being scared about it now.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender

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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