Synonyms for

Hesitate

Verb / ˈhezʌˌteɪt / Another word for hesitate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

Synonyms & similar words

pause waffle waver pause delay waver dawdle procrastinate stall flounder vacillate equivocate hedge teeter dally halt stutter stumble falter balk shilly-shally dilly-dally temporize

Synonyms by register

Formal

demur waver vacillate deliberate

Informal

pause hold back drag your feet think twice

Literary

linger tarry dally

Antonyms

proceed advance continue act commit decide rush hurry

Common collocations

  • hesitate to speak
  • hesitate before acting
  • hesitate for a moment
  • hesitate to ask
  • hesitate to do something
  • hesitate to answer
  • hesitate over a decision

Word family

noun hesitation
verb hesitate
adjective hesitant
adverb hesitantly

Usage note

Hesitate implies a temporary pause or uncertainty before acting or speaking. It is often followed by 'to' and an infinitive verb.

Example sentences

  1. I hesitate to tell her the truth.
  2. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
  3. He hesitated before making the final decision.
  4. She always hesitates before speaking in public.
  5. You shouldn't hesitate to apologize if you did something wrong.

Quotes

  • Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.
  • Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.
  • The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.

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