hesitated

VERB

wait; be uncertain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

balk dither falter pause ponder stumble waffle waver

STRONG

alternate balance dally debate defer delay demur dillydally doubt equivocate flounder fluctuate fumble hang hedge hover linger oscillate pussyfoot scruple seesaw shift shrink stammer stop straddle stutter swerve tergiversate vacillate weigh

WEAK

be irresolute be reluctant be unwilling blow hot and cold hang back hem and haw hold back hold off pull back shy away sit on fence think about think twice

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue persist

STRONG

advance agree do well expedite face go go along hasten hurry meet remain rush stay

WEAK

attack carry on go ahead persevere resolve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

hesitated

Continental was one of several U.S. oil companies that had hesitated for months to commit large amounts of capital to Venezuela.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Catalina Sanchez, a 64-year-old secretary who celebrated with her daughters until 4:00 am, hesitated to remove her sunglasses as she headed to work.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

But at the last second, Pages pulled up to let Tucker make the catch, and Tucker hesitated before flailing after it.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2026

Londoner Chisora - now with 14 defeats - had said beforehand it would be his last fight, but he hesitated to confirm his retirement when joined in the ring by his family.

From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2026

Alexander hesitated, for the admiral’s question was poorly phrased and therefore difficult to answer without sounding rude.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood