5
hang(verb, informal, pause, wait, scruple)
5
pussyfoot(verb, object, pause, protest, wait)
5
stagger(verb, trip, fall, delay, stay)
5
stick at(verb, expression, phrasal verb, unwillingness, unbelief doubt)
5
straddle(verb, pause, wait, falter, waver)
5
waffle(verb, shake, pause, sway, wait)
4
be irresolute(verb, expression, idiom, change, fear)
4
dillydally(verb, delay, stay, pause, idle)
4
flinch(verb, withdraw, refuse, resist, retreat)
4
flounder(verb, trip, fall, pause, wait)
4
haver
4
oscillate(verb, change, alter, pause, swing)
4
play for time(verb, expression, idiom, cool, delay)
4
ponder(verb, pause, wait, scruple)
4
pull back(verb, expression, phrasal verb, withdraw, retreat)
4
rest(verb, stop, delay, relax, shake)
4
shrink from
4
sputter
4
stickle(verb, withdraw, stick, object, doubt)
4
wobble(verb, trip, fall, slip, collapse)
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APASmart Define. (2016). hesitate thesaurus. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "hesitate thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 27, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, hesitate thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 27 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "hesitate thesaurus" 30 March 2016. Web. 27 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/hesitate/thesaurus/synonyms>