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.

Some online retailers may hesitate to tell customers when an item is in low supply, fearing it might encourage them to shop elsewhere or discourage them from buying anything else on the site.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

He said residents should pour water on loose embers if close to their properties and "don't hesitate to call 999" if they catch something alight.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Asked how he had viewed the Rams from afar, Garrett did not hesitate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

My brother’s sleeping so soundly that I hesitate to wake him.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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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