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
Against that backdrop, other examples of European refusals and hesitations are mounting.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
My first hesitation is procedural.
—Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
But the hesitation is just as real.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
According to her, reactions such as anxiety or hesitation are often tied to unresolved patterns rather than immediate circumstances.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
My first hesitation is procedural.
—Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
But the hesitation is just as real.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
According to her, reactions such as anxiety or hesitation are often tied to unresolved patterns rather than immediate circumstances.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
After the Veach interview ended, Schrager talked about Veach’s hesitancy.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
That hesitancy drove some of the conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
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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
Noun
-
Billy Randolph had shaped them and how his death had altered their lives, responses came after long pauses and were choked with grief.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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But no pause was announced in the overall military campaign.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This time, however, travelers are already facing long lines and delays due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has left thousands of TSA workers without pay.—
De'Anthony Taylor,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2026
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If there had been even a 30-second delay, Wilson might be alive, Pastor Ronald Blackwood told Wilson’s family and friends last Saturday at his funeral service at the Star of David Funeral Chapel in North Lauderdale.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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