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

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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hesitate In systems that punish failure, people hesitate, protect what exists, and wait for certainty that never comes. — Keith Krach, Fortune, 3 July 2026 And women who suspect their period pain is more severe than normal should not hesitate to speak with a health care provider, especially if symptoms are affecting their quality of life. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The Bachelor Nation star and his wife landed on the twins' first names after testing them out with River, who didn't hesitate to make the monikers part of her everyday vocabulary even before her little sisters were born. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries hesitate to return to work, fearing loss of benefits and health coverage. — Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hesitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate

Verb

And once performance falters, customers are likely to lose faith in your brand.

— Brian Coyne, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Russell Henley also made a 4-under push on Sunday to finish 10-under, while Cam Young faltered in the final pairing with a 1-over round to finish 10-under as well.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of falter

Verb

Those who don't see their scores by Monday may have to wait a little longer, as exams taken later in the testing period may take longer to process, according to the College Board's FAQ.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 5 July 2026
If the shrub was diseased or large roots remain in the soil, waiting at least six months to a year is recommended.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of wait

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hesitantly

hesitate

hesitated

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“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hesitate

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