1
as in hesitated
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
I didn't shilly-shally but instead raced to the hospital as soon as I heard the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delayed
to move or act slowly
with dinner guests due in two hours, there was no time to shilly-shally in front of the TV set
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shilly-shallied
Verb
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While Gregory wanted a pant suit, her mother initially hesitated.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025 -
At first, Sandra Campos hesitated about joining the TikTok trend taking over her feed.—
Christina Noriega,
Refinery29,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Two out of three lanes are closed and traffic is delayed on the inner loop of Interstate 485 in northwest Charlotte after a tractor trailer overturned Tuesday morning.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
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What Happens Next The longer the government shutdown takes to resolve, the more likely additional programs could be impacted and delayed, according to Newsom’s office.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The industry also plans to mix hydrogen into its existing gas utility pipeline network, but those efforts have faltered amid local opposition.—
NPR,
NPR,
13 Oct. 2025
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In a topsy-turvy season where AFC faves Kansas City and Baltimore have faltered, and Jacksonville and Indianapolis have been major surprises, people still want to discount Tomlin and the Black and Gold.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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On a warm day in September, Schlink’s son crawled on the squishy, rubber surface of the large playground near their house.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Oct. 2025
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This time, of the five live roaches, the least shy sashayed across the floor in front of the cookline and crawled under a dining area table.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Negotiations with Rodgers lingered.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The indelible smell lingered — to the point of me thinking of skipping out on my perfume du jour.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tupac unlocked the front door and poked his head inside.—
Jeff Pearlman,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
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The singer Sombr even poked fun at the concept in the middle of a concert this year.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bank credit concerns also dragged on the European markets today.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
17 Oct. 2025
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There came a moment—probably before the husband dragged the child, gnawing on his gloved hand, through attic insulation—when things shifted like a plank laying across a fulcrum, weight placed on one end.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Shilly-shallied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shilly-shallied. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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