as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
fortunately, during the crisis there was no shilly-shallying on the part of the president
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hesitating
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delaying
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
as in ambivalent
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shilly-shallying
Noun
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On the other hand, hesitation or half-measures will send a clear signal to founders and investors that Israel is content to watch from the sidelines.—
Tomer Niv,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025 -
Was there any hesitation about writing something that hits so close to home in terms of your real-life experiences within the reality TV community?—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Iranians, after all, are ambivalent about the state’s reaction.—
MOHAMMAD AYATOLLAHI TABAAR,
Foreign Affairs,
8 July 2025
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For the first time in the history of the rivalry, both sides had to deal with the kind of ambivalent compromise that reflects that spirit of the original Michigan-Ohio War.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
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The preservative’s safety has been thoroughly studied, but was removed from all childhood vaccines in 2001 to try to address parents’ hesitancy.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
5 July 2025
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For example, private payrolls processor ADP reported a net decline in jobs added amid a hesitancy for companies to replace departing workers, ADP's chief economist said.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
Magical door wash to welcome in the new To create your magic door wash, start with a glass mason jar and cleanse the space above it by ringing a bell in a clockwise motion to clear any lingering energy.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
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Don't jump to conclusions about a compromise state budget plan with cuts, taxes and a lingering bit of uncertainty.—
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Decisions are made, the next task appears, and there’s little pause to examine what worked or what missed.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Even though no funding has been cut, Jackson condemned the administration, contending the effect of the pause is going to be massive and could result in North Carolina firing about 1,000 educators.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Verb
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On Wednesday, March 19, the couple filmed an Instagram Reel poking fun at their recent red carpet interview with Extra at the grand re-opening of Planet Hollywood in NYC on Tuesday, March 11.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Generally, a plant whose roots are poking out will be completely root-bound.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This behaviour can also be triggered by a random and undefined phrase or prompt.—
Rashi Shrivastava,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Keppler notes that the 10-year time frame isn’t random.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Several major automakers are investing billions of dollars into American EV production despite the U.S. hesitance to adopt EVs.—
Charles Singh,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
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Despite hesitance from some Republican senators, all of Trump’s nominees who have come for a vote on the floor have been confirmed, even his most contentious picks.—
Elizabeth Crisp,
The Hill,
29 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Shilly-shallying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shilly-shallying. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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