hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
Synonyms of hesitationnext
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
A moment's hesitation could have meant disaster.
I would do it again without hesitation.
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech

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
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.
Her hesitation isn’t about her affection for Tewkesbury but out of fear of losing her identity. ABC News, 1 July 2026 When Miller unleashed another slider, Suzuki showed no hesitation. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 To overcome this hesitation, Paebbl is building real-world case studies. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 That hesitation becomes stronger when the candidate frames the pivot as a weakness. Adam Broda, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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