HAW Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

haw

verb

Definition of haw

as in to hem

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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 haw Republicans have been on edge for weeks as the Trump administration’s hemming and hawing on tariffs have created instability in the market and questions about the White House’s handling of the economy. — Al Weaver, The Hill, 6 May 2025 By Sam Reed March 18, 2025 Get ready to yee, to haw, to root, to toot: The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its hundred-year anniversary with a mega-concert featuring so many of our country favorites. — Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025 Many of the season’s 10 45-minute episodes are dedicated to Jackie hemming and hawing between them. — Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2023 No more lengthy hemming and hawing by the pitcher. — Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 28 Mar. 2023 This isn’t the first time Temu has been dinged for hawing products tainted with hazardous chemicals. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for haw

Verb

Rather than chasing one elusive number at a time, mathematicians study how these Ramsey numbers grow as the graphs become larger—and how to hem them in.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Analysts say Burnham's policies, like Starmer's, could be hemmed in by bond market investors opposed to any additional borrowing.

— Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Definition of hem

Verb

The French back line hesitated for a brief second, anticipating a potential foul, but Porro pressed the advantage and side-footed a shot past Mike Maignan in the 58th minute for the backbreaking goal.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Family described him as a kind and humble man who worked hard and never hesitated to help others.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of hesitate

Verb

La Roja is a far more patient team, preferring to keep possession and pass their opponent to death, waiting for any momentary lapse of concentration.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Zidane has been waiting for this moment for five years, and expectations are sky high.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of wait

Browse Nearby Words

havocs

haw

hawed

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“Haw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haw. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of haw

verb

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