Synonyms of hesitate

hesitate

verb

ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt 

as in to falter

to show uncertainty about the right course of action

I didn't hesitate to tell them that what they were doing was wrong and that I wanted no part of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• falter
• wait
• scruple
• vacillate
• pause
• waver
• dither
• hang back
• debate
• halt
• stagger
• sway
• linger
• shilly-shally
• wobble
• ponder
• balance
• delay
• procrastinate
• teeter
• dawdle
• haw
• consider
• weigh
• deliberate
• equivocate
• hem
• back down
• chicken (out)
• oscillate
• hedge
• waffle
• pussyfoot
• dally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• stir
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• advance
• budge

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

Recent Examples of hesitate

Floriography, the language of flowers, invites a deeper look at how flowers convey what hearts sometimes hesitate to express. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026

And don’t hesitate to ask your server or sushi chef for recommendations; that’s the best way to discover the highest‑quality fish available that day. —Shindy Chen february 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026

Most recently, while accepting the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album award earlier this month, Bad Bunny did not hesitate to address national unrest over violent ICE operations that have resulted in innocent deaths in Minneapolis. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026

Consider shopping around to see what's actually available today, and don't hesitate to reach out to a lender directly who may be willing to offer you improved rates and terms compared to what's listed publicly. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026