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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For those who have hesitated due to financial concerns, now may be the right time to take the leap.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025 -
Charlotte has hesitated to drop parking minimums.—
Alexandria Sands,
Axios,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
However, New York has faltered a little without their star on the floor.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Without him in the lineup, the Knicks offense has faltered a little bit.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Forecasters said Sunday that flooding could persist as torrential rains lingered over many states, including Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Apr. 2025
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Still, doubts lingered—particularly over her ability to manage what is arguably one of the world's most complex bilateral relationships.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The clip poked fun at photos from the couple's recent cover shoot for Interview magazine.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
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The muzzle of a hunting rifle poked out from the back seat, and a water bottle on the front console was filled with the brown swill of chewing tobacco.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 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 7 Jul. 2025.
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