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 At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my office. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 This style is a favorite among fashionexperts, who haven't hesitated to follow the teachings of Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow by combining cigarette jeans with Converse sneakers, as well as a leather jacket and black bodysuit. Michel Mejía, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025 That's because, like state officials before them, New Orleans' school board doesn't hesitate to close underperforming schools. Aubri Juhasz, NPR, 25 Aug. 2025 Trusting your instincts is crucial; if something feels off, don’t hesitate to end the ride early or report the issue. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • As the business cycle… cycles, eventually growth will falter.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But their defense, which had been their strong suit in recent seasons, faltered greatly and was also a major factor in their poor showing.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Hollywood Reporter published their accounts, which included one woman’s claim that the actor waited for her outside of a restroom and forcefully pushed her against a wall and kissed her.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • On its opening day, multiple patients from UHI made the short walk across Fisherman Street to the big blue bus to wait for their names to be called.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

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