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
The Tennessee board normally mirrors punishments from other states without hesitation.
—
ABC News, 17 June 2026
Arturo said quietly but without hesitation.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Without hesitation, Miguel shoots Chet in the head, killing him instantly.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
His handle was tight and crisp, with serious hesitation and craft with his footwork.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
ABC News, 17 June 2026
Arturo said quietly but without hesitation.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Without hesitation, Miguel shoots Chet in the head, killing him instantly.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
His handle was tight and crisp, with serious hesitation and craft with his footwork.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
Another common problem for leaders is dealing with the pressure to innovate or the hesitancy to invest from the board.—
Francesca Cassidy,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
-
His hesitancy could undermine one of DeSantis’ key arguments to sway voters, particularly those in small counties, in favor of the amendment.—
Romy Ellenbogen Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
That hesitance in the Republican Party coexists with palpable relief that there’s a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East after months of strikes on Iran.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Others, like Choi, believe that knowledge gaps are to blame for donor hesitance to get involved.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Since the clock doesn't stop during a match, this accounts for the pauses in play.—
Mike Toole,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
On Friday evening, that pause may finally have happened.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Follow evacuation instructions without delay.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2026
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But with just a 60-day window to finalize a deal, any delay leaves less time to negotiate peace.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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