3
avoid(fear, unwillingness)
3
be reluctant(verb, stick, object, pause, protest)
3
cease(verb, stop, delay, rest, relax)
3
defer(verb, check, restrain, delay, suppress)
3
fear(noun, verb, dispute, challenge, doubt)
3
filibuster(verb, procrastinate)
3
hang fire(expression, idiom, cool, delay, linger)
3
have qualms(verb, expression, dispute, stick, challenge)
3
hedge(verb, delay, shake, pause, sway)
3
hold off(verb, expression, phrasal verb, cool, restrain)
3
intermit(verb, discontinuity)
3
loiter(verb, check, delay, stay, hinder)
3
splutter
3
stop(verb, restrain, delay, stay, suppress)
3
swerve(verb, withdraw, retreat, pause, wait)
3
think twice about(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, stick)
3
totter(verb, move, trip, fall, delay)
3
wince(verb, withdraw, retreat, fear, dodge)
2
haw
2
jib(verb, object, protest, balk)
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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>