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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 hesitated
Wasefi hesitated, then started to play.
—
Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
People hesitated, unsure of how to play with something new without looking foolish.
—Cas Holman, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
While Gregory wanted a pant suit, her mother initially hesitated.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
At first, Sandra Campos hesitated about joining the TikTok trend taking over her feed.
—Christina Noriega, Refinery29, 13 Oct. 2025
Upon receiving the handoff, Pacheco hesitated for a beat before faking left, juking right and breaking a tackle on the way to his longest rush of the season — a 16-yard gain on a drive that ended in a Kansas City touchdown.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
Albin hesitated to name Wilcke the starter after the lopsided loss in Tampa, but provided clarity at Tuesday’s media availability.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
Shaking in his seat, Dobby initially hesitated to comment on the subject, but then segment anchor Michael Che offered him some encouragement.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
The director hesitated to watch the film at the Cannes Classics showing.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
People hesitated, unsure of how to play with something new without looking foolish.
—Cas Holman, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
While Gregory wanted a pant suit, her mother initially hesitated.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
At first, Sandra Campos hesitated about joining the TikTok trend taking over her feed.
—Christina Noriega, Refinery29, 13 Oct. 2025
Upon receiving the handoff, Pacheco hesitated for a beat before faking left, juking right and breaking a tackle on the way to his longest rush of the season — a 16-yard gain on a drive that ended in a Kansas City touchdown.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
Albin hesitated to name Wilcke the starter after the lopsided loss in Tampa, but provided clarity at Tuesday’s media availability.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
Shaking in his seat, Dobby initially hesitated to comment on the subject, but then segment anchor Michael Che offered him some encouragement.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
The director hesitated to watch the film at the Cannes Classics showing.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitated
Verb
-
More than 70% of the investment committed in 2023 came from international public finance; however, progress in programs such as the World Bank’s landmark Mission300, established that year, has faltered.—
Paige Bruton,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
When her movie career as an adult faltered, Lockhart shifted to television, appearing in live drama from New York and game and talk shows.—
NPR,
NPR,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Children with backpacks and adults waited for access to the road leading to nearby housing, and disgruntled drivers slowly drove past the scene.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Oct. 2025
-
However, Montgomery County officials allege that Hatchett waited roughly two hours before calling 911 to receive medical care for his son.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitated. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share