hesitated

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.

"He never hesitated to stop, acknowledge, and share a moment with someone on the street."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Film and TV have not hesitated either, with Epic Games' tech deployed in Star Wars series "The Mandalorian" and Oscar-winning short film "War is Over".

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

While 27 states have agreed to use SAVE, others have hesitated, concerned not only about inaccuracies, but also about privacy and the data’s potential to be used in immigration enforcement.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

The risks of escalation are less pronounced than in 2024, when I hesitated on the president’s doorstep.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

“As I was saying earlier, sir, I’d like to have the elevator operator’s uniform so I can . . .” I hesitated, not wanting to say wash my dress.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu