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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ambivalent
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitating
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
Adjective
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
Verb
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The Street is critical of Cornell for not initiating enough changes and corrections to improve Target’s business, which has been faltering for several seasons.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Lions moved to 2-1, while the Ravens are now 1-2 after faltering late in this game.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Safdie may have found a new way to make a sports drama, one that relies less on the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat and more on all that is contained in the ambivalent middle.—
Richard Lawson,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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Hunnam is ambivalent about horror as a genre.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium had been waiting for a moment like this.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Others on Third Avenue are still waiting for housing.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Double-big lineup shaky early on A major part of the intrigue surrounding Şengün’s potential development this season is Houston’s affinity for using him in double-big lineups next to Steven Adams or Capela.—
William Guillory,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Quarterback Carson Beck bounced back from his shaky outing against Florida by completing 20 of 27 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 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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Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
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However, Honda’s commitment was wavering, and German powerhouses Audi and Porsche were considering F1 entries.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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She is also banned for life from owning companion animals, is subject to random house visits, and has to pay a $150 fine, as well as restitution of just over $1,000 to the Clermont County Animal Shelter.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Oct. 2025
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These patches are selected at random during construction, making each item even more unique and serving as a special tribute to Disney fans’ love of mystery items and pin collecting.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hours of aimless exploring in Lafayette, Louisiana led us to this glowing downtown fixture just in time for sunset.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
21 Sep. 2025
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Now is the time to wage war, not through aimless violence, but with a legal and rational crackdown on the forces that are desperately trying to annihilate our nation.—
Brooke L. Rollins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitating. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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