as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
he was hesitant about committing himself to the oversight of the project, which he knew would be long and difficult
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Recent Examples of hesitant
Banks are hesitant to cut mortgage rates in times of economic uncertainty, Miller said, when funding loans carries more risk for them.
—
Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 30 July 2025
Many companies are eating new costs Suppliers and retailers who are paying higher tariffs – the current 10% for most imports or 30% for Chinese ones — are hesitant to pass on the full cost to inflation-weary shoppers.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 29 July 2025
But, Barreto told the Herald Thursday that several witnesses, particularly the girls who were on Pino’s boat, were hesitant to speak with police due to pressure from their parents.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
The group was hesitant to add in Bri Gilyard into the group and persisted on their way as a trio like Destiny’s Child or TLC.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitant
Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 30 July 2025
Many companies are eating new costs Suppliers and retailers who are paying higher tariffs – the current 10% for most imports or 30% for Chinese ones — are hesitant to pass on the full cost to inflation-weary shoppers.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 29 July 2025
But, Barreto told the Herald Thursday that several witnesses, particularly the girls who were on Pino’s boat, were hesitant to speak with police due to pressure from their parents.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
The group was hesitant to add in Bri Gilyard into the group and persisted on their way as a trio like Destiny’s Child or TLC.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitant
reluctant
Adjective
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What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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Knowing why people are reluctant to come back is just as critical as deciding how to bring them back.—
Dr. Adil Dalal,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitant. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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