as in falters
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 hesitates
The mother in Frederick County still hesitates.
—
Natasha Dartigue, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026
His grandson, Jack Schlossberg, who is running for Congress, never hesitates to remind audiences of his lineage.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
The sophomore forward rarely hesitates.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
In the finale, Nicky hesitates at the altar, leading Rachel to question their relationship.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Nicky hesitates at the altar, leading Rachel to question their relationship.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
How the Finale Changes Everything Nicky hesitates at the altar, sending Rachel spiraling.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
After Rachel and Nicky reach the altar, Nicky hesitates.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
Though Pollan hesitates to claim that a fundamental aspect of human capability and human experience remains beyond science’s reach, A World Appears closely maps out such a territory.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
Natasha Dartigue, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026
His grandson, Jack Schlossberg, who is running for Congress, never hesitates to remind audiences of his lineage.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
The sophomore forward rarely hesitates.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
In the finale, Nicky hesitates at the altar, leading Rachel to question their relationship.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Nicky hesitates at the altar, leading Rachel to question their relationship.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
How the Finale Changes Everything Nicky hesitates at the altar, sending Rachel spiraling.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
After Rachel and Nicky reach the altar, Nicky hesitates.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
Though Pollan hesitates to claim that a fundamental aspect of human capability and human experience remains beyond science’s reach, A World Appears closely maps out such a territory.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitates
Verb
-
If Smack falters, Havrisik — who kicked in three games last season — is an option.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
Once there’s some significant progress on the cross-country escape plan, the film falters a bit.—
Josh Slater-Williams,
IndieWire,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Dennis waits until Mallory leaves to go on a bike ride, and then attacks her on the path.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitates. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
