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
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
If a planner hesitates or hedges on this question, consider that a red flag.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
When pressed on what a new economic system for the age of AGI might look like, Hunter-Torricke hesitates.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
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 Week Us, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
If a planner hesitates or hedges on this question, consider that a red flag.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
When pressed on what a new economic system for the age of AGI might look like, Hunter-Torricke hesitates.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitates
Verb
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If the economy falters, political pressure on the president will build.—
Nancy Cook,
Bloomberg,
25 Mar. 2026
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The goal is to complete this as one continuous set, but drop to your knees and/or take breaks if your form falters at any point.—
Jenny McCoy,
Outside,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Paulina Likos,Zev Fima,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
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As Irma, who painfully waits for news of the fate of her family, Gardner embodies the agony — her performance is a quiet, simmering slow burn that shows both despair and hope.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitates. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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