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.

I hesitate to adjust my withholdings because I’m worried about owing the IRS.

From MarketWatch

Jackson hesitated — the job required him to leave the seminary six months short of graduation.

From Los Angeles Times

Luxury agent Nathaniel Pichon-Getzels, who helms The Getzels Group, notes that Jenner’s “strategy is obviously not driven by urgency,” which may well indicate why she has hesitated to lower her asking price.

From MarketWatch

But when I showed him a photo of Rubio, he didn’t hesitate.

From Salon

Despite their strong track record, concerns about possible side effects have led some patients to hesitate or stop treatment.

From Science Daily

hesitate

Example Sentences

Related Words