HESITATE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'hesitate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hesitate are falter , vacillate , and waver . While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing. // hesitated before answering the question

Q: When might 'falter' be a better fit than 'hesitate'?

The words falter and hesitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear. // never once faltered during her testimony

Q: In what contexts can 'vacillate' take the place of 'hesitate'?

The synonyms vacillate and hesitate are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision. // vacillated until events were out of control

Q: Where would 'waver' be a reasonable alternative to 'hesitate'?

Although the words waver and hesitate have much in common, waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat. // wavered in his support of the rebels

hesitate

verb

ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt

Definition of hesitate next

as in to falter

to show uncertainty about the right course of action I didn't hesitate to tell them that what they were doing was wrong and that I wanted no part of it

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How does the verb hesitate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hesitate are falter, vacillate, and waver. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When might falter be a better fit than hesitate?

The words falter and hesitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear.

never once faltered during her testimony

In what contexts can vacillate take the place of hesitate?

The synonyms vacillate and hesitate are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

Where would waver be a reasonable alternative to hesitate?

Although the words waver and hesitate have much in common, waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat.

wavered in his support of the rebels

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hesitate Jennifer scrambled out of the water without hesitating. —

Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025 In one scenario, the rat would encounter the robot, hesitate, appearing to want to get the treat, but eventually retreat. —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025 When Preston Haun and Stefania Fox spotted a vehicle overturned in a Utah river, the two motorists didn’t hesitate. —

Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 12 Jan. 2025 But when the time came to make a definitive decision, TFG hesitated, seemingly unsure of his suitability for the role. —

Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hesitate