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
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
Even all-world corner Pat Surtain II didn’t have his best day, with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones not hesitating to go after him on routes over the middle.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 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
Concerns about the economy and tariffs do have some companies hesitating to make long-term decisions, but even with that concern, more are taking on long-term leases than were a year ago, CBRE found.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
Even all-world corner Pat Surtain II didn’t have his best day, with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones not hesitating to go after him on routes over the middle.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 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
Concerns about the economy and tariffs do have some companies hesitating to make long-term decisions, but even with that concern, more are taking on long-term leases than were a year ago, CBRE found.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitating
Adjective
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Whereas the cool, ambivalent eye of documentary can particularize a story like the Siegels’ to great effect, the stage runs hot.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Altman has remained ambivalent about the potential timing for OpenAI to go public.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That reinforced the idea that inflation concerns should take a backseat to worries about faltering job growth.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
29 Oct. 2025
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After faltering in the semifinals of the 2024 WNBA playoffs, Wilson and the Aces capped off a dominant postseason run Friday by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury with a 97-86 win.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While the big luxury brands spent the pandemic and post-pandemic era driving up prices on shoppers who were sitting at home and looking to spend, the sector is now feeling the aftereffects with much shakier sales in a challenging consumer landscape.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
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Notably, Marshon Lattimore suffered a torn ACL in Week 9, thinning an already shaky Commanders cornerback room.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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People in some states have reported receiving their full benefits for November, while others could be waiting until at least next week.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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Many of our favorite online brands aren’t waiting until Thanksgiving week to roll out their biggest savings — and that’s good news for anyone ready to shop early.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
Rumors have swirled that Jaramillo was at the center of an ambush or that his murder was part of planned retribution, but Cordero-Stutz reaffirmed that his death was a random encounter that could have happened to any deputy that day.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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This is the random bunch of misfits Courteney will have to transform into a team competitive enough to make it to nationals, and that will surely start to form one big family along the way.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Maia has help from her friends Charlie (Jordan Firstman), a pop star stylist and Alani (True Whitaker), an aimless movie biz nepo baby.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
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The story of an aimless college grad’s dalliance with an older woman—only to fall for her daughter—is as sophisticated as comedies, and coming of age stories, get.—
John Ortved,
Vogue,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitating. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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