hesitation

noun

ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
Definition of hesitationnext
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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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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 Houston’s guards relentlessly attacked the paint, and Uzan repeatedly got to the Big 12 logo in the lane with crossovers and hesitation moves. — Cj Moore, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 Riley's visible hesitation to leave and the affectionate glances exchanged with his pack have been interpreted by many as a sign of the strong bonds animals form, even at a young age. — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The same hesitation existed with computers, the internet, and smartphones. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 TikTok Reacts Jensen's transformation sparked a wave of reactions in the comments section, with viewers split between admiration and hesitation. — Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
  1. hesitancy
  2. hesitance
  3. pause
  4. delay
Noun
  • That's an encouraging step, but consistency on the importance of vaccination is needed to overcome current levels of public hesitancy.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The team’s hesitancy stemmed, in part, from its existing collection of nine-figure contracts.
    — Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of hesitancy
Noun
  • Some Republican lawmakers have expressed hesitance to focus on a DOGE dividend rather than lowering the national deficit or expanding tax cuts, according to Forbes.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Soren Toft and Vincent Clerc, the CEOs of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Maersk, respectively, have called out the lack of safety guarantees as the top reason for their hesitance to return.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of hesitance
Noun
  • And with Russia’s Vladimir Putin failing to agree to a full pause in the fighting with Ukraine, signs point to a continuing war and uncertain American support for Ukraine.
    — Ella Polak, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The only things that would give him pause are if crossing the border becomes more of a hassle or the Canadian dollar were to take a hit.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Despite SpaceX picking up the national security slack during Vulcan delays, the ULA rocket’s capability is something Space Force personnel have anxiously awaited. Brig.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Limited options amid development delays NASA also has Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser spacecraft on its internal schedule for a May launch this year.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of delay

Browse Nearby Words

hesitatingly
hesitation
heterodox
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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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