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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But they are mentioned without context, in a way that underlines the Smithsonian’s touchy relationship with an administration that has not hesitated to strong-arm the institution.—
Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026 -
Times when studios hesitated about festivals?—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Timelines for the deployment of solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, seen as the next step in cutting-edge technology, have been delayed, however.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
19 May 2026
-
Waiting until major fires start often means limited options, delayed shipping and inflated prices.—
Ryan Brennan
May 19,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Diplomatic efforts aimed at a more durable peace have faltered.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
-
The ceasefire remains tenuous, with diplomatic efforts for a more durable peace having faltered.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Verb
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And while the night sweats and the respiratory stuff cleared up pretty quickly, the fatigue lingered for two and a half weeks.—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
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His oblique muscle strain lingered longer than initially anticipated.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Chinese firms have dragged their feet in purchasing the chips after the Chinese government encouraged them to turn to domestic chipmakers like Huawei.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
15 May 2026
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Another witness described seeing a woman dragged from a vehicle, pinned against a wall, repeatedly raped and then stabbed, with the assault allegedly continuing after her death.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Woods ultimately crawled out of the passenger side of his Land Rover after the crash.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
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When a Republican says something foolish, network anchors react like a gator just crawled into the studio wearing a MAGA hat.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Many curious passersby poked their heads inside, wondering if the restaurant was serving food again.—
Iris Kwok
May 12,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Holding her breath, Ana poked her head into the coop.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Shilly-shallied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shilly-shallied. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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