1
as in reluctance
a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something
sales figures for the month were up, as consumers began to overcome their hesitance about purchasing big-ticket items
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
she mistook my hesitance to mean I didn't like her poem, but I was trying to come up with appropriate words of praise
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitance
That the Astros even added Vázquez underscores their hesitance to hand César Salazar the backup role, despite Salazar’s familiarity with their pitching staff and strong clubhouse reputation.
—
Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
Analysts have noted Mojtaba's lack of adequate religious credentials and hesitance within the regime to oversee a dynastic succession as marks against his candidacy to be the next supreme leader.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Her only hesitance was how much the internet has changed culture in the past decade.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026
After a little practice breathing through the tube and getting past her initial hesitance, Jenner puts her face into the water, and comes back up immediately, her hair stuck to her skin.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitance
Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
Analysts have noted Mojtaba's lack of adequate religious credentials and hesitance within the regime to oversee a dynastic succession as marks against his candidacy to be the next supreme leader.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Her only hesitance was how much the internet has changed culture in the past decade.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026
After a little practice breathing through the tube and getting past her initial hesitance, Jenner puts her face into the water, and comes back up immediately, her hair stuck to her skin.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitance
Noun
-
Every generation faces a new wave of technological disruption and responds with the same blend of overconfidence, short-termism, and reluctance to let go of what’s working.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
And one reason may be their reluctance to give back.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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What made the league’s hesitation so baffling is that Clark’s rise lifts everyone around her.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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But when Niesen presented the plans to the abbot of the monastery, he was met with hesitation.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
State data suggests this hesitancy may continue into childhood.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Despite Pickford’s relative hesitancy to engage aerially, Everton have been one of the most effective teams in the league at defending corners, conceding just five goals, the joint third fewest in the Premier League.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Scott will be 25 years old as a rookie, which gives the pairing some pause, but the Bills are currently without a backup nickel at this point.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitance. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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