40
pause(noun, verb, stop, delay, object)
24
falter(verb, check, trip, fall, withdraw)
23
vacillate(verb, change, delay, yield, stay)
22
waver(verb, stop, change, trip, fall)
19
wait(verb, stop, delay, stay, rest)
16
delay(verb, stop, check, restrain, stay)
13
fluctuate(verb, change, dispute, alter, challenge)
12
demur(verb, withdraw, delay, dispute, refuse)
12
linger(verb, cool, delay, stay, pause)
10
shilly-shally(verb, delay, dispute, challenge, doubt)
10
balk(verb, stop, check, withdraw, delay)
10
scruple(noun, verb, dispute, have, stick)
10
halt(noun, verb, stop, delay, rest)
9
shrink(verb, withdraw, retreat, fear, pause)
9
hold back(verb, expression, phrasal verb, stop, check)
8
dither(verb, shake, pause, sway, wait)
8
procrastinate(verb, delay, stay, put, idle)
8
stall(verb, check, cool, delay, hinder)
8
stumble(verb, trip, fall, slip, stick)
8
alternate(verb, adjective, change, alter, pause)
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APASmart Define. (2016). Hesitate thesaurus. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "Hesitate thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 21, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, Hesitate thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "Hesitate thesaurus" 30 March 2016. Web. 21 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms>