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.

See Examples For:

hesitated

Catalina Sanchez, a 64-year-old secretary who celebrated with her daughters until 4:00 am, hesitated to remove her sunglasses as she headed to work.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

Publishers in America hesitated to bring out the book, but when G.P.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

But at the last second, Pages pulled up to let Tucker make the catch, and Tucker hesitated before flailing after it.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2026

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

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

The mare hesitated and reached her head down, and I worried because there are some horses, many horses, who will not put up with dogs.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen