1
as in to hesitate
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to delay
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 hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
the construction project was once again delayed by the bureaucratic shilly-shally of regulatory agencies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shilly-shallying
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shilly-shally
Verb
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From coordinating painting, flooring and cabinet removal to troubleshooting daily obstacles during the summer, Higman answered every call, provided solutions and never hesitated to step in, according to Filamor.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026 -
Alvarez, seeing his pitcher hesitate, tapped his helmet for a challenge.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Two weeks ago, flights in the DC metro region were delayed due to a strong chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The incident triggered ground stops, with flights delayed or held for extended periods.—
De'Anthony Taylor,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Connecticut students should not lose access to meaningful support because of hesitation.—
Christopher P. DeSanctis,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Mets don’t have any hesitation in letting Benge face lefties, but wanted to keep Robert’s bat in the lineup.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Washington led 111-106 with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, but the Wizards defense faltered after that.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Iran and the United States hardened their positions as a diplomatic push for a ceasefire in the Middle East war appeared to falter on Thursday.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The primary suite is described as storage-rich and spa-like, with multiple closets and a bath built for lingering.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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But Paddack won’t let the sting linger.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After the Veach interview ended, Schrager talked about Veach’s hesitancy.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
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That hesitancy drove some of the conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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To be sure, many Jews in America hold ambivalent views, feeling both a connection to Israel and a contempt for the Netanyahu government.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Many are ambivalent about what comes next.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Continue reading … EMERGENCY EASE — Trump administration steps in with rare tax relief for DHS workers as shutdown drags on.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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Several parents who spoke to The Baltimore Sun, under the condition of anonymity because of fears that the institution would retaliate against their sons, questioned why the school continues to drag its feet about bringing back Moran.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Shilly-shally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shilly-shally. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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