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hesitate Synonyms

Another word for hesitate

Choosing another word for hesitate depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To pause in indecision or uncertainty before saying or doing something.

Usage Example

"She hesitated for a moment before signing the employment contract."

Strongest
waver
vacillate
falter
Strong
pause
dither
hang back
hold back
shilly-shally
delay
demur

• verb (Context 2)

To be reluctant or unwilling to do something.

Usage Example

"Please do not balk to contact our office if you have any further questions."

Strong
balk
hold back
scruple
shrink
flinch

Opposites of hesitate

The opposite of hesitate shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

decide
proceed
jump at
resolve
commit
plunge
volunteer
See all opposites of hesitate

• Nearby Words

hesitancy
hesitant
hesitantly
hesitate
hesitatingly
hesitation
hesitator

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Hesitate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/hesitate
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