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.

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

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

A spokesperson for the Prison and Probation Service said: "As this case shows, we do not hesitate to send offenders back to prison if they break the rules."

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The attendant gestured toward the sky, saying that “the boss” was watching on camera and would not hesitate to call security.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

So focused was Handsome on the rescue mission that he didn’t even hesitate as they neared the river, even though he had nothing but bad memories of the place.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

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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