as in hesitancy
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hesitation
Beneath that hesitation may also be the all-too-familiar fear of one day being replaced by technology.
—
Greg Edwards, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Corporations such as Boeing, General Electric and Honeywell all struck deals to begin providing services in Iran, albeit in a relatively minor fashion given existing restrictions and hesitation over ongoing debates surrounding the accord.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
And Superman is hopping into the booth to answer the call every time the phone rings in these playoffs with zero hesitation.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
That’s where the Oracle of Omaha’s other main hesitation with real estate factors in: Buying property is often a hassle.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Greg Edwards, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Corporations such as Boeing, General Electric and Honeywell all struck deals to begin providing services in Iran, albeit in a relatively minor fashion given existing restrictions and hesitation over ongoing debates surrounding the accord.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
And Superman is hopping into the booth to answer the call every time the phone rings in these playoffs with zero hesitation.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
That’s where the Oracle of Omaha’s other main hesitation with real estate factors in: Buying property is often a hassle.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
The gaming industry has been hit hard in recent years with layoffs, delayed funding and investor hesitancy.—
Chris Hewish,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
That’s due to several factors, such as challenges related to cost and access and hesitancy among some cardiologists and primary care physicians.—
Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But that is where the similarities end, and where the hesitance to believe the Knicks had a chance at the reigning champs seeps in deep.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2025
-
This hesitance only reinforces the false narrative that race is a divisive topic rather than an integral part of understanding American society.—
Anne Tapp Jaksa,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
What To Know Secretary of State Marco Rubio had signed and sent a diplomatic cable on Tuesday ordering the pause to student visa interviews and outlining a shift in vetting procedures.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
-
Storms in the area put the search on pause between 1:30 and 6 a.m. May 26, then crews resumed until Smith was found the next day, officials said.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Nola’s delay Two days ago, Aaron Nola tested his sprained right ankle for the first time since going on the injured list May 16.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
-
Because of the trial delays, her test date fell during the murder trial.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share