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
Participant hesitancy creates a real disadvantage when trying to communicate openly, develop an understanding of a person or situation, or negotiate effectively.
—
Jason Foodman, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
The timing of their pressing was off because of their hesitancy to press high.
—Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Yet the business marches on, blowing down barriers, rolling past hesitancy, and making the case for true sustainability.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
Yes, but: Barkin said despite the uncertainty, his baseline outlook on the economy is positive due to strong consumer spending, slowing inflation, companies' hesitancy to cut workers and increased productivity following the pandemic.
—Zachery Eanes, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitancy 
Jason Foodman, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
The timing of their pressing was off because of their hesitancy to press high.
—Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Yet the business marches on, blowing down barriers, rolling past hesitancy, and making the case for true sustainability.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
Yes, but: Barkin said despite the uncertainty, his baseline outlook on the economy is positive due to strong consumer spending, slowing inflation, companies' hesitancy to cut workers and increased productivity following the pandemic.
—Zachery Eanes, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitancy
Noun
-
Building families and protecting their legacies are significant themes, the latter notably in Lee’s reluctance to risk the heavily mortgaged house that her father bought to keep them on Duwamish land.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Jan. 2025
-
This likely influenced their interest in DIY projects—and their reluctance to ask for help.—
Fiona Tapp,
Parents,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Edwards is not a natural lob thrower, and his hesitance to throw the ball to Gobert in traffic put a ceiling on the Timberwolves offense.—
Jon Krawczynski,
The Athletic,
22 Apr. 2024
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This hesitance came courtesy of Putin, who attended the Bucharest conference and lobbied NATO to reject Kyiv’s bid.—
Andriy Zagorodnyuk,
Foreign Affairs,
1 June 2023
Noun
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What To Know Friday's execution will be the first in the state following a pause over the Christmas holiday.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
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The film sees Williams, represented via a CGI monkey, start to reconnect with childhood friends after briefly hitting pause on his solo career.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
28 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hesitancy
Cite this Entry
“Hesitancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitancy. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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