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

For investors who think Nvidia's long-term dominance in AI infrastructure will persist but hesitate to buy after such an enormous rally, long calls represent a cost-effective alternative. —Scott Nations, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026

Doctors opted to monitor her spine but recommended starting physical, occupational and developmental therapy immediately — something Hallas didn’t hesitate to do. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026

Don’t hesitate to grab a can or two of spray paint to really take your laundry room design to the next level. —Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026

After a dramatic Easter weekend for the war in Iran—downed American fighter jets, a daring rescue behind enemy lines, and strikes on universities and petrochemical plants—traders hesitated at Monday’s opening bell. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026