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.

Tanker owners said on Monday that they would hesitate before sending new vessels through the chokepoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

But neither should passengers hesitate to approach a flight attendant about their comfort.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The captains set the tone and I wouldn't hesitate in putting Bradley in the top five of most passionate captains I've witnessed - but perhaps he wanted that win too much?

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

While vasectomies are considered long-term, many men hesitate to undergo the procedure, even though reversal surgery is sometimes possible.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

The backlash I’m receiving is making me hesitate, but I keep going.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

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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