as in ambivalent
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Dissimilar Words
as in faltering
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitating
Staff, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
After a 5% rebound rally, the benchmark is hesitating a bit around 6850, comfortably near the upper end of a two-month range but perhaps marking some time to gather itself ahead of next week's Fed meeting.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
In the viral clip on Instagram, Pearl was hesitating on the edge of the bed before eventually figuring out how to climb up.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
The Nuggets became prone to operating with one-dimensional caution, hesitating to shoot open 3s, immediately looking to return the ball to Jokic in the post and subsequently telegraphing entry passes.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Chamandy said that, because of the ambiguity associated with the tariffs, companies are still hesitating to change suppliers until the dust settles.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
For now, Ian’s hesitating to tell Mike.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2025
Because life—even for us jaded adults—should be for the seizing, not for hesitating in the face of fear.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 9 Oct. 2025
As adults, this pattern can look like hesitating to ask for help, avoiding vulnerability or keeping emotional struggles private, even from those closest to you.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
Despite unified denouncements of antisemitism, Fetterman criticized colleagues for hesitating to fully confront anti-Israel hostility.
—Staff, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
After a 5% rebound rally, the benchmark is hesitating a bit around 6850, comfortably near the upper end of a two-month range but perhaps marking some time to gather itself ahead of next week's Fed meeting.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
In the viral clip on Instagram, Pearl was hesitating on the edge of the bed before eventually figuring out how to climb up.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
The Nuggets became prone to operating with one-dimensional caution, hesitating to shoot open 3s, immediately looking to return the ball to Jokic in the post and subsequently telegraphing entry passes.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Chamandy said that, because of the ambiguity associated with the tariffs, companies are still hesitating to change suppliers until the dust settles.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
For now, Ian’s hesitating to tell Mike.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2025
Because life—even for us jaded adults—should be for the seizing, not for hesitating in the face of fear.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 9 Oct. 2025
As adults, this pattern can look like hesitating to ask for help, avoiding vulnerability or keeping emotional struggles private, even from those closest to you.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitating
Adjective
-
But managing that discomfort is arguably better than relying on an ambivalent superpower.—
Amanda Sloat,
Time,
2 Jan. 2026
-
The contrast shower still left me feeling ambivalent, but breathwork afterward came easier—slow, nasal, steady.—
Marisa McMillan,
Outside,
29 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The other half sees an economy on the verge of faltering, with rising unemployment, that needs easier money to avoid recession.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Efforts to advance a US peace plan for Gaza appear to be faltering over reconstruction and security challenges.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, the 11-year veteran has been shaky down the stretch.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The Dolphins and Cardinals are resetting this offseason, at least to some extent, and the quarterbacks’ futures are on shaky soil.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, waiting to add more water until the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Carolina Panthers will be waiting a bit before their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.—
Mike Kaye
January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This is the Alcaraz who is unbeatable, a man who cut out the vacillating streaks in his game that derailed him in Melbourne and Wimbledon.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In his new role, Jejurikar will be tasked with driving sales performance amid a wavering global market.—
Vogue Business Team,
Vogue,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Stocco said in a wavering voice.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Even more striking, the gas moved in a very orderly and coherent way, with far less random motion than the surrounding stars.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Not random or easily forgotten.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Beyond aimless brutality or victory, serious practitioners eventually look toward higher principles – even when the desire for glory is powerful.—
Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
-
With Saturn conjunct Neptune influencing your 10th house of career and public image, ambiguous (or aimless) dreams will no longer suffice.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitating. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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