1
as in reluctance
a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something
his appointment to the superintendency was confirmed by the school board without the least hesitancy
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
his hesitancy in pulling over into the next lane while he had a chance resulted in him missing his exit
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitancy
There was a clear hesitancy on Bella's part to get up onto the couch, but Anna was determined to change that.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Some critics have blamed the arguments Kennedy has advanced for increasing hesitancy to get vaccines and allowing the disease to spread to its current outbreak, causing the first deaths from the disease since 2015.
—Julia Mueller, The Hill, 1 May 2025
Pitching owners to invest in an unproven concept is often met with hesitancy.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Legal worries Legally, Europe’s hesitancy over seizing – rather than just freezing – Russia’s assets stems from one of the key principles of international law: the immunity of a state’s overseas assets from seizure.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitancy
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Some critics have blamed the arguments Kennedy has advanced for increasing hesitancy to get vaccines and allowing the disease to spread to its current outbreak, causing the first deaths from the disease since 2015.
—Julia Mueller, The Hill, 1 May 2025
Pitching owners to invest in an unproven concept is often met with hesitancy.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Legal worries Legally, Europe’s hesitancy over seizing – rather than just freezing – Russia’s assets stems from one of the key principles of international law: the immunity of a state’s overseas assets from seizure.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitancy
Noun
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Although inquiries are strong, the path to wider adoption is slow due to strict price constraints and a general reluctance from brands to take risks.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
22 May 2025
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Wade on Butler On his podcast, Heat legend Dwyane Wade addressed an issue with Jimmy Butler that occasionally surfaced during his time with the Heat: a perplexing reluctance to shoot in some games.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Noun
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That’s where the Oracle of Omaha’s other main hesitation with real estate factors in: Buying property is often a hassle.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
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Lionel says yes, and before more than a few moments go by the two have tumbled into bed, without fear or hesitation.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 May 2025
Noun
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This hesitance only reinforces the false narrative that race is a divisive topic rather than an integral part of understanding American society.—
Anne Tapp Jaksa,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
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The war plans group chat uncovered by a journalist at The Atlantic exposed some daylight between Vice President Vance and others in the administration, showing Vance’s hesitance about launching a military strike that President Trump has hailed this week as necessary and successful.—
Alex Gangitano,
The Hill,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Then, the White House announced that the U.S. and China have agreed to a 90 day pause in their trade war.—
David Hebert,
National Review,
16 May 2025
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However, since then, Donald Trump has initiated a 90-day pause in the U.S.-China tariff conflict, reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China has lowered its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports from 125% to 10% .—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitancy. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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