as in faltered
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
I didn't hesitate to tell them that what they were doing was wrong and that I wanted no part of it
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Recent Examples of hesitated
But they are mentioned without context, in a way that underlines the Smithsonian’s touchy relationship with an administration that has not hesitated to strong-arm the institution.
—
Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Times when studios hesitated about festivals?
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 May 2026
While the ban is officially mandated by local government and not any single cruise line, travelers have not hesitated to share their disappointment.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
The most likely explanation for the wave-off is that, after Barbashev’s dump-in, LaCombe might have hesitated, if only for a fateful moment, while Eichel went hard after the puck.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Large oil producers have hesitated to make long-term capital decisions based on a potentially short-term war.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Representatives from federal health agencies hesitated to back Fogel’s definition after only having a few days to consult with their colleagues at their respective agencies.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
Dean Kim, master baker and founder of OC Baking Company, said that Schwarz was the kind of chef who never hesitated to show up for others.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Meadow initially hesitated to have an in-person doctor's visit, but ultimately made an appointment.
—Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026
Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Times when studios hesitated about festivals?
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 May 2026
While the ban is officially mandated by local government and not any single cruise line, travelers have not hesitated to share their disappointment.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
The most likely explanation for the wave-off is that, after Barbashev’s dump-in, LaCombe might have hesitated, if only for a fateful moment, while Eichel went hard after the puck.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Large oil producers have hesitated to make long-term capital decisions based on a potentially short-term war.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Representatives from federal health agencies hesitated to back Fogel’s definition after only having a few days to consult with their colleagues at their respective agencies.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
Dean Kim, master baker and founder of OC Baking Company, said that Schwarz was the kind of chef who never hesitated to show up for others.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Meadow initially hesitated to have an in-person doctor's visit, but ultimately made an appointment.
—Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitated
Verb
-
Diplomatic efforts aimed at a more durable peace have faltered.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
-
The ceasefire remains tenuous, with diplomatic efforts for a more durable peace having faltered.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Djena went back to the Toures’ house and waited.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The department said its investigation revealed that Marquez, a Hawthorne resident, is a former boyfriend of Fernandez and waited for her near her workplace.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitated. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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