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
For non-Muslims, like myself, there’s often a different hesitation.
—
Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Those little hesitations cost Texas several points in the early going and helped dig a hole that proved too deep as time went on.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Other possible reasons for vaccine hesitation exist.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
There was no confusion or hesitation like that day at Molineux, just action.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Those little hesitations cost Texas several points in the early going and helped dig a hole that proved too deep as time went on.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Other possible reasons for vaccine hesitation exist.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
There was no confusion or hesitation like that day at Molineux, just action.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
Finally, Jim said that our hesitancy to sell is due to fear that the company will figure out how to solve its AI woes.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
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That hesitancy has never fully disappeared.—
Ken Toltz,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Analysts have noted Mojtaba's lack of adequate religious credentials and hesitance within the regime to oversee a dynastic succession as marks against his candidacy to be the next supreme leader.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Her only hesitance was how much the internet has changed culture in the past decade.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
My mother took only the slightest pause.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
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Last week, Borough President Vanessa Gibson said the multi-day event had been put on pause this year to the budget deficit.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The delay is limiting discussion on an important topic, said Stephanie Richard, a clinical professor who leads the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative at Loyola Law School, which released its own comprehensive report on human trafficking and the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in December.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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So, everyday purchases such as clothing, phone cases, small appliances, and shoes remain subject to tariffs and customs delays.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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