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
Representatives from federal health agencies hesitated to back Fogel’s definition after only having a few days to consult with their colleagues at their respective agencies.
—
O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
As of last month, that number was about 3 million as employees hesitated to quit at a time when job searches can drag on for months.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
Dean Kim, master baker and founder of OC Baking Company, said that Schwarz was the kind of chef who never hesitated to show up for others.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Meadow initially hesitated to have an in-person doctor's visit, but ultimately made an appointment.
—Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026
While much of Manhattan hesitated, the ultra-wealthy kept moving—and in some cases, moving quickly when the right opportunity appeared.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
When the girl hesitated, embarrassed, the boy insisted.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Others hesitated due to dangerous positioning.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
When the person made eye contact, gulls hesitated and took longer to approach the food.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
As of last month, that number was about 3 million as employees hesitated to quit at a time when job searches can drag on for months.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
Dean Kim, master baker and founder of OC Baking Company, said that Schwarz was the kind of chef who never hesitated to show up for others.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Meadow initially hesitated to have an in-person doctor's visit, but ultimately made an appointment.
—Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026
While much of Manhattan hesitated, the ultra-wealthy kept moving—and in some cases, moving quickly when the right opportunity appeared.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
When the girl hesitated, embarrassed, the boy insisted.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Others hesitated due to dangerous positioning.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
When the person made eye contact, gulls hesitated and took longer to approach the food.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitated
Verb
-
Where the show faltered last night, however, was in assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to its pop-star-hosting formula.—
Charu Sinha,
Vulture,
3 May 2026
-
The merger, announced about a year ago, faltered for several reasons.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
By the time the flight landed in Baltimore, airport fire crews were in place for a traditional water cannon salute, and ground staff waited at the gate with cheers and a bottle of champagne.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
The Texans could have waited another year to begin negotiations.—
Jonathan M. Alexander,
Houston Chronicle,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitated. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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