Synonym Chooser

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 And if in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to the couple or wedding planner for clarification! Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025 The journalist initially hesitated to reveal some details in the interest of national security. Lauren Floyd, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025 Manager Bud Black did not hesitate to tab Freeland for the fourth time. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025 The United States must not hesitate in ensuring that a democracy, Ukraine, does not succumb to an antidemocratic, autocratic, dictatorial and villainous Russia. Askold Haywas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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