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
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Recent Examples of hesitation
Stone also raised criticisms about McMahon’s knowledge of the role, including hesitation on what existing Trump executive orders mean for local schools.
—
Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2025
Several council members expressed hesitation about expanding the alcohol offerings at large events to include liquor.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2025
Several council members expressed hesitation about expanding the alcohol offerings at large events to include liquor.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
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There’s a fight ahead, and Jacob’s hesitancy to accept the changing times likely won’t be his ally in it.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
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Zoom out: The effort comes as some Republicans express hesitancy about Chavez-DeRemer.—
Stef W. Kight,
Axios,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In 2019, when recounting that milestone from her own perspective, McCaskey first recalled the sharp anxiety leading up to the game and her hesitance to answer any of the league’s logistical questions about preparing for the trophy presentation ceremony.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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Intelligence officials are likely to be concerned about the long-term effect that Trump’s policies will have on their agencies’ roles and authorities, leading to caution and hesitance that harm operational effectiveness.—
Peter Schroeder,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The program is on pause after legal challenges from states, and the amount of savings its elimination could generate, $150 billion or more, depends on the status of the litigation.—
Margot Sanger-Katz,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
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An offer sheet for this player would need to be significant to give Bowman pause, so $10 million times seven seasons would need to be a comfort zone for an opposition general manager.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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On Monday, the airport saw nearly 400 cancellations and 375 delays.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
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The reversal decision, which Oliver had been advocating for, was made after data analysis didn’t reveal a significant increase in Max viewership after implementing the delay, sources said.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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