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 Cole didn’t hesitate before answering in the affirmative. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025 Neighborhoods don't want to see tents, trash, or derelict RVs, police are reluctant to arrest those who will return within hours, and prosecutors hesitate to prosecute those for whom the justice system has become a revolving door with few good outcomes. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 When asked if there could be another broadcast face of the sport like himself, Lampley didn’t hesitate to say no, owing to how fragmented sports media has become. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025 As the trailer makes clear, Cane and his father rarely see eye-to-eye, and neither will hesitate to throw a punch. EW.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • And then, if the team falters, dumping before the Aug. 31 deadline for players to be eligible for postseason rosters?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Even high-performing teams can falter under the burden of shifting priorities and misaligned goals.
    Rahul Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 June 2025
  • And during the pandemic years, then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek decided to send three Pixar titles straight to Disney+ domestically, including Turning Red, Luca and the Oscar-winning Soul, a decision rivals said taught families to wait to watch a film at home.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 4 Jul. 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!