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.

The fear of making mistakes made him hesitate.

From BBC

He hesitated before he pushed the basket aside and cleared his throat.

From Literature

Theo hesitates a split second while considering my question, before his face arranges itself back into his familiar grin.

From Literature

Lentali didn’t hesitate to bring his legal victory to Musk’s attention.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Saturday, the head of the CMA, Sarah Cardel, said it was urgently looking into the issues and would "not hesitate to take enforcement action if potential breaches are identified".

From BBC

hesitate

Example Sentences

Related Words