1
as in hesitated
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
I didn't shilly-shally but instead raced to the hospital as soon as I heard the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delayed
to move or act slowly
with dinner guests due in two hours, there was no time to shilly-shally in front of the TV set
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shilly-shallied
Verb
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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
Verb
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Timelines for the deployment of solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, seen as the next step in cutting-edge technology, have been delayed, however.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
19 May 2026
-
Waiting until major fires start often means limited options, delayed shipping and inflated prices.—
Ryan Brennan
May 19,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Diplomatic efforts aimed at a more durable peace have faltered.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
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The ceasefire remains tenuous, with diplomatic efforts for a more durable peace having faltered.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The last Super El Niño reshaped weather and economies around the world, leaving disruptions that lingered long after the Pacific cooled.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
-
Others lingered near the bar, clutching cocktails and scanning the room before finally introducing themselves to strangers.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Sources connected to the investigation told the paper that it was later determined that the body had been dragged from a nearby homeless encampment.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
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As the violence dragged on, at least 15 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and more than two thousand were arrested, and pro-independence leaders were transferred to prisons in mainland France.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Woods ultimately crawled out of the passenger side of his Land Rover after the crash.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
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When a Republican says something foolish, network anchors react like a gator just crawled into the studio wearing a MAGA hat.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
Verb
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The Angels added two runs in the eighth inning when Josh Lowe poked a double just over the head of Gelof at third base to score Nolan Schanuel and Logan O’Hoppe.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
20 May 2026
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In the same show, Louis Theroux made a cameo, and Gatwa poked fun at his time as Doctor Who.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
17 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Shilly-shallied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shilly-shallied. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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