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
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
-
As a ceasefire with Tehran falters, Republicans joined Democrats in pressing for details on the conflict’s costs and the administration’s plan to end it.—
Noah Robertson,
Washington Post,
12 May 2026
-
Overreliance on one industry makes economies betting on high-tech development vulnerable to market corrections, if AI development falters, or if worsening commodities shortages eventually hinder production of electronic components.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
That is why the NBA waits until August, well after free agency, to release its schedule.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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Outside Lost Girls Vintage on Chicago’s Division Street, a trolley waits to shuttle shoppers between independent vintage stores across the city.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitates. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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