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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitation
If Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is on the board, the Broncos should turn in the card without hesitation.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
His coach, John Acevedo, sees that hesitation as part of the work.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
There was no hesitation to Andi’s movements.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
To ease hesitation internationally to use products with the Bank of America name, the company rebranded as Visa.
—Brandon Holveck, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
His coach, John Acevedo, sees that hesitation as part of the work.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
There was no hesitation to Andi’s movements.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
To ease hesitation internationally to use products with the Bank of America name, the company rebranded as Visa.
—Brandon Holveck, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
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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
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This hesitancy is showing up in the market.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Shares of McCormick fell 6% in morning trading, while Unilever's stock down 4%, reflecting investors' hesitance about the mega-merger.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
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That likely means there won’t be any hesitance by Stammen to use his higher-leverage relievers today and tomorrow.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 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
Noun
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O'Hara said those delays in January were isolated and a direct result of Operation Metro Surge's drain on local resources.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
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That is what the delay was, technical difficulties.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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