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
Republican support But other Republicans had no hesitation in backing her.
—
David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2025
Additionally, Butler had initial hesitation in going to the Bay.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Some Democratic officials ascribed the party’s hesitation and confusion in part to a lack of clarity from their voters.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Dexter examines the finger and realizes there’s a small hesitation cut on the boy’s finger that wasn’t on Jimmy Powell’s.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitation 
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David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2025
Additionally, Butler had initial hesitation in going to the Bay.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Some Democratic officials ascribed the party’s hesitation and confusion in part to a lack of clarity from their voters.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Dexter examines the finger and realizes there’s a small hesitation cut on the boy’s finger that wasn’t on Jimmy Powell’s.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 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 20 Feb. 2025.
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