as in faltered
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
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Recent Examples of hesitated
While competitors hesitated, Tesla built data depth and operational learning that now underpin its long-term advantage.
—
Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Crew members hesitated, unsure how to navigate the transition.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
Republicans who haven’t hesitated in breaking with their party show no signs of changing their strategy, posing a challenge for Johnson.
—Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2026
As investors watched closely, even Republicans who hesitated to condemn the probe were careful to extol the virtues of an independent central bank.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
The insider says Richie never hesitated to leave his residences in California or Hawaii at a moment’s notice to return to New Jersey.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The woman hesitated at first but then let Sylvain into her apartment.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
Sanchez hesitated at first about the idea of being on camera, but his loyalty to Gutiérrez proved stronger than the reservations.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Kim hasn’t hesitated to wade into New Jersey’s electoral politics scene.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 10 Dec. 2025
Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Crew members hesitated, unsure how to navigate the transition.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
Republicans who haven’t hesitated in breaking with their party show no signs of changing their strategy, posing a challenge for Johnson.
—Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2026
As investors watched closely, even Republicans who hesitated to condemn the probe were careful to extol the virtues of an independent central bank.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
The insider says Richie never hesitated to leave his residences in California or Hawaii at a moment’s notice to return to New Jersey.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The woman hesitated at first but then let Sylvain into her apartment.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
Sanchez hesitated at first about the idea of being on camera, but his loyalty to Gutiérrez proved stronger than the reservations.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Kim hasn’t hesitated to wade into New Jersey’s electoral politics scene.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 10 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitated
Verb
-
Pass protection faltered, the run game stalled and Love couldn’t find a rhythm through the air as Green Bay welcomed Chicago back into the game and the Bears once again took advantage to end their archrival’s season in stunning fashion.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Traffic in restaurants faltered, as budget-conscious customers ate out less often and spent less.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Because Sutton required medical treatment, deputies waited until a later date to seek warrants for her arrest.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Another rescue tech would be lifted and dropped to the ridge where the female climber waited.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitated. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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