Definitions

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.

Anja Hohmeyer, Specialist Prosecutor from the CPS, said the agency "will not hesitate to prosecute those who seek to profit from conflict".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Some online businesses hesitate about telling customers about low inventory, fearful they might shop elsewhere or refrain from buying anything else on their website.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Don’t hesitate to be cared for by physician associates like nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 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

“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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