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 asked about Abada’s future with the club, Krneta didn’t hesitate in saying that the team is still quite invested in him. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025 In the final scene, Lee hesitates for a moment before letting Stella choose. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 When asked Monday what his favorite part was about his time in Boston, Marchand didn’t hesitate to say the fans. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 People hesitated, unsure of how to play with something new without looking foolish. Cas Holman, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • When her movie career as an adult faltered, Lockhart shifted to television, appearing in live drama from New York and game and talk shows.
    NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Her certainty falters as the light from the mothership dims, the last traces of the hive connection dying above them.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For context, only the bottom team in League Two, Newport County, among the EFL’s other 48 clubs, are also waiting to taste victory on home soil this time around.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Yes, the hotel’s team was ready and waiting for me upon my arrival via private transfer from the train station in the nearby town of Rapallo.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!