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
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Recent Examples of hesitates
If someone hesitates, give them time to respond, because shared goals deserve space for honest input.
—
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2026
Poppy initially hesitates but ends up apologizing to Sarah, admitting that her deep connection with Alex had gotten in the way of her relationship.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
The Broncos’ wide receivers had four drops in the first half, and BSU failed twice on fourth down when going for it, something Danielson seldom hesitates to do.
—Idaho Statesman, 29 Nov. 2025
In the final scene, Lee hesitates for a moment before letting Stella choose.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
If the alliance hesitates, Putin will see weakness and press harder.
—David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The actress hesitates for only a second before divulging the story.
—Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
But Andreia Alexander, an ER doctor in Indiana, told me that patients should not want a doctor who hesitates to save their life.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
Lower will talk about work all day but hesitates to reveal much about Britt L’s outie.
—Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2026
Poppy initially hesitates but ends up apologizing to Sarah, admitting that her deep connection with Alex had gotten in the way of her relationship.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
The Broncos’ wide receivers had four drops in the first half, and BSU failed twice on fourth down when going for it, something Danielson seldom hesitates to do.
—Idaho Statesman, 29 Nov. 2025
In the final scene, Lee hesitates for a moment before letting Stella choose.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
If the alliance hesitates, Putin will see weakness and press harder.
—David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The actress hesitates for only a second before divulging the story.
—Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
But Andreia Alexander, an ER doctor in Indiana, told me that patients should not want a doctor who hesitates to save their life.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
Lower will talk about work all day but hesitates to reveal much about Britt L’s outie.
—Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitates
Verb
-
Trying to hold all of that in, trying to be the one who never falters is not sustainable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
-
What never falters is the euphoric chaos of the experience.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
-
While the storefront is minimal, save for a bright red front door, what waits inside is exceptional.—
Emma Simard,
Saveur,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitates. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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