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 If the alliance hesitates, Putin will see weakness and press harder. David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 When getting a flu shot or HPV vaccine feels like a statement about your beliefs or identity, people hesitate. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 That’s why when Bob’s Red Mill called to have the Napiers be the face of their new campaign to bring people back to helping their neighbors, the Mississippi parents didn’t hesitate to say yes. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 The actress hesitates for only a second before divulging the story. Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • Francis was leading from a place of unification and camaraderie where all of these boys, Stebbins included, don’t want to see each other falter and don’t want to see each other die.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Deals collapse when communication falters.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Vengathattil added that hospitals do not need to wait years to see the benefits.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Every moment the Senate waits to confirm Antoni to overhaul the systemic failures of the BLS is one that risks the stability of global finance and American wealth.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

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