hesitance

noun

hes·​i·​tance ˈhe-zə-tən(t)s How to pronounce hesitance (audio)

Examples of hesitance in a Sentence

sales figures for the month were up, as consumers began to overcome their hesitance about purchasing big-ticket items she mistook my hesitance to mean I didn't like her poem, but I was trying to come up with appropriate words of praise
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This history of volatility, paired with a high stock price, contributes to investor hesitance. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Their hesitance comes in the wake of executive orders targeting some of the country’s most powerful law firms, which have split between fighting the orders and compliance agreements. Lluvia Gaucin, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025 Damar Hamlin’s hesitance in coverage again showed why the Bills are looking at him as more of a backup role, but now their other depth safety options in Hancock and Lewis are injured. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 Farmer said feelings of shame can contribute to caregivers’ hesitance to discuss suicidal thoughts. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitance

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitance was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hesitance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitance. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hesitance

noun
hes·​i·​tance ˈhez-ə-tən(t)s How to pronounce hesitance (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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