hesitation
noun
hes·i·ta·tion
ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən 
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech
Synonyms
Examples of hesitation in a Sentence
one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever
Recent Examples on the Web
Norris had established a healthy lead earlier in the race but McLaren’s hesitation around pitting during the first safety car saw all of his good work undone.
—
Ben Church, CNN, 10 June 2024
There was some hesitation back then — working with people with felony convictions, some with serious criminal backgrounds.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024
After some initial hesitation, Faye makes her way out with ease.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024
Celebrities Who Starred With Their Kids in Movies and TV Shows
Olivia remembers their hesitation.
—Staff Author, Peoplemag, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitation 
Ben Church, CNN, 10 June 2024
There was some hesitation back then — working with people with felony convictions, some with serious criminal backgrounds.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024
After some initial hesitation, Faye makes her way out with ease.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024
Celebrities Who Starred With Their Kids in Movies and TV Shows
Olivia remembers their hesitation.
—Staff Author, Peoplemag, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hesitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
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