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
In those moments, her older sister Carson-Parry stepped in without hesitation.
—
Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Rohrer, for her part, saw something familiar in Scheidt’s hesitation.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Without a beat of hesitation, the chickens move in.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
The generous return policy encourages members to try new products without hesitation.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Rohrer, for her part, saw something familiar in Scheidt’s hesitation.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Without a beat of hesitation, the chickens move in.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
The generous return policy encourages members to try new products without hesitation.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
State data suggests this hesitancy may continue into childhood.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Despite Pickford’s relative hesitancy to engage aerially, Everton have been one of the most effective teams in the league at defending corners, conceding just five goals, the joint third fewest in the Premier League.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
-
O'Hara said those delays in January were isolated and a direct result of Operation Metro Surge's drain on local resources.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
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That is what the delay was, technical difficulties.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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