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 To which Dangy doesn’t hesitate and says yes to all. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 Working with producer Brendan O’Brien on the band’s latest album, Is, was energizing — though O’Brien wouldn’t hesitate to dismiss potential tracks. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025 Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 Netanyahu also said Israel would not hesitate to restart its military campaign against Hamas if the militant group refused the deal or reneged on the terms of the agreement. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • Neither should be a reason to falter too much and Lee doesn’t want any excuses.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Confidence in business conditions and job availability has weakened sharply, raising concerns that the spending power underpinning corporate growth could falter.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Oct. 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • According to videos, officers waited roughly 20 seconds before detaining people.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

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