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 Ross Chastain, who finished third, didn’t hesitate when asked about the racing quality. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025 As the family hesitates to accept her even with her mission to make the factory safer, the sincerity of everyone’s principles faces a genuine test. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025 Many businesses hesitate to change accounting providers due to widespread myths about the transition process. Loran Armstrong, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Souter didn’t hesitate to endorse Harlan’s formulation. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • With federal support faltering, your role has never been more critical.
    Randy Colman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
  • The effort comes as progress on crypto legislation has faltered.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Last May, the United Kingdom’s Home Office posted footage that showed immigration officers going door to door and marching migrants into a waiting van.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
  • The topic likely will remain quiet for 50 weeks until the connections of next year’s Kentucky Derby winner decide to go to Baltimore or wait for New York.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

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