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 is likely due to concerns over potential legal liability if Trump reverses course and enforces the ban afterall.
—
Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Other high-profile candidates, it was noted, would have significant hesitation signing up to work with Poles as GM at all given his spotty track record in that role over three seasons.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Does the Trump administration find my hesitation valid and a reason for creating exceptions?
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Dylan Andrews rose for the midrange jumper without a hint of hesitation, beating the halftime buzzer and extending his team’s massive lead.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitation 
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Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Other high-profile candidates, it was noted, would have significant hesitation signing up to work with Poles as GM at all given his spotty track record in that role over three seasons.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Does the Trump administration find my hesitation valid and a reason for creating exceptions?
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Dylan Andrews rose for the midrange jumper without a hint of hesitation, beating the halftime buzzer and extending his team’s massive lead.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 18 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 30 Jan. 2025.
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