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
Despite some analyst hesitation that the popular running brands may be losing some of their steam in the market, both labels posted stellar earnings in their most recent quarterly reports.
—
Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Some concerned about size of ballroom Commissioner Phil Mendelson, who chairs the DC City Council, expressed hesitation about the height of the project.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
But that hesitation could be costing you, according to Maggie Baker, a financial therapist with more than 35 years in the field of psychology and money.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Some concerned about size of ballroom Commissioner Phil Mendelson, who chairs the DC City Council, expressed hesitation about the height of the project.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
But that hesitation could be costing you, according to Maggie Baker, a financial therapist with more than 35 years in the field of psychology and money.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
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Big money’s hesitancy Wall Street hasn’t jumped on board with the same fervor as the average Joe.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
25 Dec. 2025
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Their efforts were met with hesitancy from some families — installing sensors required Ayala to enter homes for installation, and some families had privacy concerns around providing data to the sensors.—
Alonso Daboub,
Mercury News,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Citing Chinese academic research, the report notes that financial and time pressures, especially the cost and burden of child care, are major factors contributing to families’ hesitance.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Dec. 2025
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The judge continued to echo his hesitance following the reveal and shared an Instagram Stories post posing the question for fans.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The county commissioners will hold a public hearing on the plan for Comanche Circle, and separately consider putting a temporary pause on these types of big developments.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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Hawke gives me a Harrison Ford-length pause — not out of nervousness, but genuine thought.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From plane seatback organizers to carry-on cup holders, these accessories can save you from boarding delays and other headaches—starting at $9.—
Jillian Dara,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Hi Lab positions HyDee as a response to those challenges by eliminating charging delays associated with battery systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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