hesitated crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "hesitated crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.
Solutions for "hesitated crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
PAUSED: Stopped or delayed briefly, often out of uncertainty.
BALKED: Showed reluctance or a sudden unwillingness to proceed.
7 Letters
WAVERED: Felt or showed doubt or indecision about something.
STALLED: Delayed or put off action, often due to an obstacle or indecision.
8 Letters
DITHERED: Was indecisive or hesitated about what to do, often in a nervous or uncertain way.
DEMURRED: Raised doubts or objections; showed reluctance.
More About "hesitated crossword clue"
The clue "hesitated" often points to answers that reflect a moment of indecision, delay, or reluctance. In crosswords, it's crucial to consider the context and the exact number of letters required. Common synonyms for hesitation include pausing, wavering, or showing a lack of willingness to proceed, each with its subtle shade of meaning.
Solvers should pay attention to the tense of the clue; "hesitated" is past tense, meaning the answer will also typically be a past tense verb. This helps narrow down potential solutions considerably. Words like PAUSED and BALKED are straightforward fits, while DITHERED and WAVERED suggest a more internal, prolonged state of uncertainty.
Sometimes, "hesitated" might imply a physical reaction, such as a flinch or a step back, which could lead to answers like FLINCHED (8 letters). Always cross-reference with existing letters in your grid to confirm the best fit and eliminate possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Tense: If the clue is in the past tense (like "hesitated"), your answer will almost certainly be in the past tense as well (e.g., PAUSED, BALKED).
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Knowing the exact number of letters is your primary guide. It instantly eliminates many possibilities.
- Consider Nuances of Hesitation: Is it a physical hesitation, a mental one, or a reluctance to act? This can help you choose between similar-length synonyms.
- Look for Common Suffixes: For past tense verbs, words ending in -ED are very common in crosswords.
- Utilize Intersecting Words: The letters from words you've already solved are your best clues for filling in the blanks of "hesitated" answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hesitated' mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'hesitated' typically refers to actions involving delay, uncertainty, or reluctance. Common synonyms that appear as answers include 'PAUSED,' 'BALKED,' 'WAVERED,' or 'DITHERED,' reflecting a moment of indecision before proceeding or acting.
How can I find answers to hesitation clues faster?
Look for synonyms that fit the specific letter count. Consider if the clue implies physical hesitation (like 'FLINCHED' or 'SHRUNK') or mental indecision (like 'DITHERED'). Think about common crossword tropes for actions involving a brief stop or delay. Using online crossword solvers or synonym dictionaries can also speed up the process.
Are there common tricks for 'hesitated' clues?
Often, the tense of the verb is key (past tense 'hesitated' usually means a past tense answer). Also, consider if it's part of a phrase or idiom. Sometimes, the answer might be a less common synonym that perfectly fits the definition of delaying or being uncertain, or it might hint at a specific type of hesitation like 'SHIED' (from fear).