HESITATE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'hesitate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hesitate are falter , vacillate , and waver . While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing. // hesitated before answering the question

Q: When might 'falter' be a better fit than 'hesitate'?

The words falter and hesitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear. // never once faltered during her testimony

Q: In what contexts can 'vacillate' take the place of 'hesitate'?

The synonyms vacillate and hesitate are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision. // vacillated until events were out of control

Q: Where would 'waver' be a reasonable alternative to 'hesitate'?

Although the words waver and hesitate have much in common, waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat. // wavered in his support of the rebels

hesitate

verb

ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt

Definition of hesitate next

as in to falter

to show uncertainty about the right course of action I didn't hesitate to tell them that what they were doing was wrong and that I wanted no part of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb hesitate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hesitate are falter, vacillate, and waver. While all these words mean "to show irresolution or uncertainty," hesitate implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing.

hesitated before answering the question

When might falter be a better fit than hesitate?

The words falter and hesitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, falter implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear.

never once faltered during her testimony

In what contexts can vacillate take the place of hesitate?

The synonyms vacillate and hesitate are sometimes interchangeable, but vacillate implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision.

vacillated until events were out of control

Where would waver be a reasonable alternative to hesitate?

Although the words waver and hesitate have much in common, waver implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat.

wavered in his support of the rebels

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of hesitate So Calumet coach Aaron Mercer hesitates to put a limit on Hudson IV’s potential. —

Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 That game’s lead analyst for Fox didn’t hesitate to opine what should unfold when Brady inherited a tie game with 1:21 remaining and the ball at the Patriots’ 17-yard line. —

Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025 Lamar has never hesitated to confront uncomfortable truths through his music. —

Christina L. Myers, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2025 The key for Kansas City will be making Jalen Hurts hesitate and second guess. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hesitate