1
as in reluctance
a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something
his appointment to the superintendency was confirmed by the school board without the least hesitancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
his hesitancy in pulling over into the next lane while he had a chance resulted in him missing his exit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitancy
That hesitancy drove some of the conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death.
—
Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Since the conflict in Iran began, travel agents have reported some hesitancy among travelers to purchase upcoming cruises.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026
Lindsay pointed out that that hesitancy, combined with the ongoing controversy, may lead viewers to lose trust in the franchise as a whole.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hesitancy
Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Since the conflict in Iran began, travel agents have reported some hesitancy among travelers to purchase upcoming cruises.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026
Lindsay pointed out that that hesitancy, combined with the ongoing controversy, may lead viewers to lose trust in the franchise as a whole.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hesitancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitancy
Noun
-
Every generation faces a new wave of technological disruption and responds with the same blend of overconfidence, short-termism, and reluctance to let go of what’s working.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
And one reason may be their reluctance to give back.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Chiron in your 2nd House highlights something tied to confidence or hesitation.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
-
In a moment demanding courage, discipline and split-second judgment, men and women charged with protecting the president moved without hesitation toward duty, even at personal risk.—
Letters to the Editor,
Washington Post,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some supporters of the Wide Awakes’ rebirth have expressed hesitance about its aesthetics, especially the optics of torch-wielding vigilantes marching through the streets.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
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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
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
Cite this Entry
“Hesitancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitancy. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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