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 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 actress hesitates for only a second before divulging the story.
—Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
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 actress hesitates for only a second before divulging the story.
—Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitates
Verb
-
If Oviedo falters over the next month, the Red Sox may be forced to flip him with either Tolle or Early.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Alice never falters in her suspicions.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Another room waits for us all of course, and only there is there no more seeming.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitates. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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