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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitation
Machiavelli expressed the idea in The Prince that choosing a side—regardless of the outcome—is always better than neutrality, asserting that action preserves options while hesitation loses them.
—
Koray Köse, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In fact, the organization California YIMBY recognizes that is one of the many hesitations from opponents.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Without any hesitation, Wilson chalked up her good looks to her mother.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
There's a moment of hesitation right now.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Koray Köse, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In fact, the organization California YIMBY recognizes that is one of the many hesitations from opponents.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Without any hesitation, Wilson chalked up her good looks to her mother.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
There's a moment of hesitation right now.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
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Educational research shows that spoken practice strengthens memory and reduces hesitancy more effectively than passive drills, which is why Airlearn places conversation at the core of its design.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Still, there was a lingering hesitancy that often got in his way.—
Stephen Galloway,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Chatter in the market revolved around the reasons for the downturn – rising competition from streaming platforms, consumer belt-tightening and hesitance on the part of investors and studios – as well as possible solutions.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
24 Sep. 2025
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Shares have remained relatively stable, affected by investor hesitance regarding China’s steel demand and ongoing worries about Brazil's regulatory landscape.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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After battling Bukele in public and her own embassy in private, Manes announced a pause in diplomatic relations and left El Salvador in late 2021.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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His showing over the weekend, however, should at least give the Canucks some pause.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These companies benefit from the speed and cost savings of blockchain payments, without the constant fear of account closures or unjustified delays.—
Sonia Osorio,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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The case remained in the public's eye because of a series of delays, the separation of Ascher's and Fraker's cases from Miller, and a change of attorneys and judges between 2023 and the 2025 trial.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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