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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hesitation
Against that backdrop, other examples of European refusals and hesitations are mounting.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
My first hesitation is procedural.
—Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
But the hesitation is just as real.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
According to her, reactions such as anxiety or hesitation are often tied to unresolved patterns rather than immediate circumstances.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
My first hesitation is procedural.
—Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
But the hesitation is just as real.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
According to her, reactions such as anxiety or hesitation are often tied to unresolved patterns rather than immediate circumstances.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
After the Veach interview ended, Schrager talked about Veach’s hesitancy.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
That hesitancy drove some of the conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That likely means there won’t be any hesitance by Stammen to use his higher-leverage relievers today and tomorrow.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
That the Astros even added Vázquez underscores their hesitance to hand César Salazar the backup role, despite Salazar’s familiarity with their pitching staff and strong clubhouse reputation.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
After a pause earlier this month to make way for the WGA talks, negotiation are set to pick up with the Sean Astin-run SAG-AFTRA in June, if not sooner.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of plowing ahead with the current design, perhaps a pause is warranted.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Caltrans advised drivers to use the prior exit to reach their destinations and avoid delays.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
As the delay stretched on, some players played cards.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
