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What is another word for hems and haws?

Need synonyms for hems and haws? Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead.

Contexts ▼

To speak evasively or indirectly, typically to avoid addressing something

To avoid providing a clear answer or statement

To be hesitant or show reluctance

To equivocate or be evasive

To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision

To speak stammeringly or with indecision

… more ▼

Verb

To speak evasively or indirectly, typically to avoid addressing something

“After being asked about his whereabouts the previous night, Brian began to hem and haw, skillfully avoiding any direct admission or explanation.”

Verb

To avoid providing a clear answer or statement

gives the runaround

dances around an issue

beats around the bush

worms one's way out of

shuffles out of

steers clear of

slips through your fingers

gives the slip to

slips away from

throws off the scent

slips through the net

slips through the net of

escapes the clutches of

keeps your distance

stays away from

breaks away from

gives a wide berth

leads on a merry chase

“During the press conference, the politician chose to hem and haw when asked about his stance on the controversial policy, cleverly avoiding giving a clear answer.”

Verb

To be hesitant or show reluctance

expresses misgivings

expresses reluctance

expresses reservations

drags your heels

Verb

To equivocate or be evasive

beats about the bush

avoids the issue

shilly-shallies

dodges the issue

parries questions

evades the issue

fudges the issue

ducks the question

beats around the bush

sits on the fence

blows hot and cold

pussyfoots around

sidesteps the issue

passes the buck

ducks the issue

hedges your bets

shuffles around

gives the run around

begs the question

tells white lie

straddles the fence

clouds the issue

stalls for time

gives run around

plays it close to the vest

skirts the issue

shifts ground about

beats around bush

finds a way round

beats about the bush about

avoids answering

more ❯

Verb

To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision

shilly-shallies

whiles away time

blows hot and cold

drags your heels

plays a waiting game

pussyfoots around

sits on the fence

runs hot and cold

fence-straddles

chops and changes

keeps changing your mind

goes from one extreme to the other

whiffles waffles

takes one's time

drags your feet

takes your time

gets no place fast

uses delaying tactics

puts off doing something

takes one's own sweet time

brings up the rear

takes a raincheck

postpones action

lets something slide

suspends action

kicks the can down the road

sits on one's butt

scrounges around

fritters time away

more ❯

Verb

To speak stammeringly or with indecision

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