hesitation
noun
hes·i·ta·tion
ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən 
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech
Synonyms
Examples of hesitation in a Sentence
one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever
Recent Examples on the Web
This hesitation could mean pharmaceutical companies are missing out on a major opportunity to connect with viewers, according to a new analysis by the TV outcomes firm EDO.
—
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Feb. 2025
Fran: One of the bigger stories out of this year’s Sundance has been distributors’ hesitation — whether due to lingering effects of the fires or buyers’ skepticism or some combination — to buy up the stronger films at the festival.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Given the show’s eerie relevance right now, was there any hesitation or concerns from the studio in the process of making it, or marketing, or any of that?
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025
Then there is buyer hesitation even before the loan issues, with condos facing spiraling assessments and monthly fees, along with requirements to have a spending plan for repairs under a Florida law that took effect in 2025.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitation 
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Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Feb. 2025
Fran: One of the bigger stories out of this year’s Sundance has been distributors’ hesitation — whether due to lingering effects of the fires or buyers’ skepticism or some combination — to buy up the stronger films at the festival.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Given the show’s eerie relevance right now, was there any hesitation or concerns from the studio in the process of making it, or marketing, or any of that?
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025
Then there is buyer hesitation even before the loan issues, with condos facing spiraling assessments and monthly fees, along with requirements to have a spending plan for repairs under a Florida law that took effect in 2025.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitation
Dictionary Entries Near hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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