hesitate
verb
hes·i·tate
ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt 
hesitated; hesitating
1
: to hold back in doubt or indecision
She didn't hesitate when they offered her the job.
2
: to delay momentarily : pause
He hesitated and waited for her to say something.
3
: stammer
: to hold back from (doing or saying something) in doubt or uncertainty
Don't hesitate to call if you need something.
hesitater
noun
Synonyms
Examples of hesitate in a Sentence
She hesitated and waited for her friend to say something.
He hesitated about accepting the job.
I sometimes hesitate to say what I am really thinking.
I hesitated to come without being asked.
I wouldn't hesitate to ask for your help if I felt I needed it.
Don't hesitate to call if there is a problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
In her diary, Dana expressed a part of her experience that caregivers often hesitate to say out loud, as read by her son, Will, in the documentary.
—
Elissa Strauss, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
Bottom line: Do not hesitate to find out if your financial adviser is satisfying the needs of his custodian rather than you.
—Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
The Weeknd goes deep on 'Enjoy the Show' With his signature falsetto vocals, the music offers an ethereal sound but doesn't hesitate to cut through it periodically with old-school disco loops.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Put on the spot, a lot of Americans might hesitate over the difference between Medicaid and Medicare.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitate 
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Elissa Strauss, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
Bottom line: Do not hesitate to find out if your financial adviser is satisfying the needs of his custodian rather than you.
—Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
The Weeknd goes deep on 'Enjoy the Show' With his signature falsetto vocals, the music offers an ethereal sound but doesn't hesitate to cut through it periodically with old-school disco loops.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Put on the spot, a lot of Americans might hesitate over the difference between Medicaid and Medicare.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitate
Dictionary Entries Near hesitate
Cite this Entry
“Hesitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitate. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hesitate
verb
hes·i·tate
ˈhez-ə-ˌtāt
hesitated; hesitating
1
: to stop or pause because of uncertainty or indecision
hesitate before answering
2
: to be unwilling
hesitate to ask a favor
3
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