1
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
I didn't shilly-shally but instead raced to the hospital as soon as I heard the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to delay
to move or act slowly
with dinner guests due in two hours, there was no time to shilly-shally in front of the TV set
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
the construction project was once again delayed by the bureaucratic shilly-shally of regulatory agencies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shilly-shallying
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shilly-shally
Verb
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When asked for his prediction of who would win tournament MVP if Finland were to win the 4 Nations, Roope Hintz didn’t hesitate very long.—
Arpon Basu,
The Athletic,
11 Feb. 2025 -
Don’t hesitate to express your concerns, share your goals, or ask for guidance.—
Nick Blackmer,
Verywell Health,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The opening of the jail had been delayed, the red carpet stored away, the prisoners' transfers into this facility put on hold.—
Keith Sharon,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Additionally, decisions on pending petitions to expand coverage to autoimmune and cardiac conditions will be delayed and there will be fewer people to intervene when there are problems with prescriptions and treatment, according to Chevat.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Republican support But other Republicans had no hesitation in backing her.—
David Lightman,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Feb. 2025
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Additionally, Butler had initial hesitation in going to the Bay.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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If Maeda were to falter this spring, a role stashed away in the bullpen could be possible.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
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Senate leaders chose to plow ahead with their budget plan even after Mr. Trump endorsed the House’s one-big-bill approach on Wednesday, characterizing their measure as a fail-safe should the House falter.—
Catie Edmondson,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Poland is cautious, given lingering animosities with Ukraine that date from World War II.—
LORNE COOK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
arkansasonline.com,
15 Feb. 2025
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There are lingering memories of past layoffs: more than 1,000 jobs in Huntsville were lost when Constellation, a program to return astronauts to the moon, was shut down in 2010.—
Eduardo Medina,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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There’s a fight ahead, and Jacob’s hesitancy to accept the changing times likely won’t be his ally in it.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
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Zoom out: The effort comes as some Republicans express hesitancy about Chavez-DeRemer.—
Stef W. Kight,
Axios,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Local businesses that support awards shows are likewise ambivalent about the appropriateness of muting awards season revelry.—
Laurie Brookins,
The Hollywood Reporter,
1 Feb. 2025
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As the plans take more concrete shape, the poll shows that Americans are ambivalent about some of the changes that Trump and his team have mentioned in the past few months — including eliminating large numbers of federal jobs and moving federal agencies outside Washington.—
Linley Sanders,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Doctor Who star poked fun at Trump during his remarks, earning loud applause from an audience packed with Hollywood stars.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2025
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First, Murray poked fun at how there has only been one Black anchor of the segment: Michael Che, who has had the role alongside Jost since 2014.—
William Vaillancourt,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Cite this Entry
“Shilly-shally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shilly-shally. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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