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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The woman hesitated at first but then let Sylvain into her apartment.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Jan. 2026 -
Sanchez hesitated at first about the idea of being on camera, but his loyalty to Gutiérrez proved stronger than the reservations.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Several school districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have delayed the start of classes Wednesday because of the freezing rain and icy roads.—
WBZ-News Staff,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Negotiations over the subsidies, a Biden-era benefit that lapsed at the end of 2025, have faltered once before and were at the center of a 43-day government shutdown last year, the longest on record.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The Chiefs were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs last month, as the once-dominant team led by Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes faltered in close games throughout the year.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But as a standoff with Realmuto has lingered, the Phillies began debating different paths.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
McDaniel lingered in the hallway.—
Lila Shapiro,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Sure enough, Hill took a short swing pass, collided with a would-be Georgetown tackler around the 10-yard line, and dragged three Eagles forward before falling on the pylon for a touchdown.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
-
In the June incident, Ross broke the window of a car when the driver refused to exit the vehicle and then found himself being dragged at least 50 yards when the driver hit the gas.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
One live roach crawled on the floor near the kitchen door.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Roaring out of the gates in Set 2, the Raiders mounted a commanding 10-2 lead, but the Storm went blow for blow with the Raiders and crawled back into the set.—
Andrew Cornelius,
Twin Cities,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Manette poked fun at his famous recliner For over 35 years, Curt has settled into the same teal Bradington Young recliner to eat, watch TV and work out football plays.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Fox grabbed Vanderbilt to walk him away, but the Lakers forward poked Sochan in the face with his left index finger.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 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 12 Jan. 2026.
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