8
equivocate(verb, delay, pause, wait, defer)
8
hang back(verb, expression, phrasal verb, delay, stay)
8
stammer(noun, verb, trip, fall, slip)
8
balance(verb, pause, wait, scruple, irresolution)
8
dilly-dally(verb, delay, waste, shake, pause)
7
dawdle(verb, check, delay, stay, hinder)
7
hover(verb, pause, wait, linger, falter)
7
recoil(verb, withdraw, retreat, falter, shrink)
7
stutter(noun, verb, pause, wait, stumble)
7
temporize(verb, time, cool, gain, delay)
7
doubt(noun, verb, dispute, stick, challenge)
7
tergiversate(verb, pause, wait, wander, waver)
6
boggle(verb, stick, pause, shy, falter)
6
dally(verb, delay, stay, pause, idle)
6
debate(verb, pause, wait, scruple, irresolution)
6
deliberate(verb, stop, delay, rest, relax)
6
hem and haw(verb, expression, idiom, change, delay)
6
hum and haw(verb, expression, idiom, irresolution, stammering)
6
think twice(verb, expression, idiom, stop, delay)
5
fumble(verb, pause, wait, waver, scruple)
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APASmart Define. (2016). hesitate thesaurus. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "hesitate thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 26, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, hesitate thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 26 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "hesitate thesaurus" 30 March 2016. Web. 26 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms>