Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 When someone asks what makes Chicago special, don’t hesitate to answer the question. Glenn Eden, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 The mountain lion saunters out of the carrier and seems to hesitate when it’s released, looking back and facing the the people releasing it. Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025 In America, my mother had obtained a license but didn’t drive, having once hesitated too long at a changing traffic light and gotten flustered. Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Seize Market Share When Competitors Retreat Expand globally when trends align and others hesitate. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • Here are a few more takeaways from Monday’s game: Michael Wacha falters late Wacha had trouble navigating the Mariners’ lineup.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • When corporate processes eclipse the culture, ventures almost inevitably falter.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Powell’s strategy to wait for more economic data earned the ire of President Donald Trump.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Because while others sit back, waiting for the dust to settle, the forward-thinkers are already iterating on version 3.0.
    Crystal Gilmore, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

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