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 If the question is on your mind, don’t hesitate to start the discussion yourself, Dr. Siegel says. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 2 May 2025 As for whether he’s done having kids, Cannon hesitated when asked about future children by podcast hosts Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday. Rachel McRady, People.com, 1 May 2025 Molina presented herself as a successful entrepreneur, cultured and generous, and never hesitated to shower Ana with praise. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025 Punk didn't hesitate in his response, drawing upon their extensive history. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitate
Verb
  • Not every survivor has faltered in their vision for peace.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Without demand from clean energy, the U.S. market for rare earth, graphite, and lithium will falter.
    Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • But when employees are trained to wait for approval, creativity dies.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Flights were delayed by as much as five hours Thursday, as the tarmac became packed with lines of planes waiting to depart.
    Alecia Reid, CBS News, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitate. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitate

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