tentativeness
noun
ten·ta·tive·ness
ˈten-tə-tiv-nəs 
: the quality or state of being tentative or hesitant : hesitancy, uncertainty
heard a tentativeness in her voice
… we also have trouble comprehending the meaning of "hope" as that word is used in the New Testament; for us the term always seems to include an element of uncertainty and tentativeness.—
Herbert W. Chilstrom
Herbert W. ChilstromExamples of tentativeness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is no right moment, and the early scenes are about fumbling steps and the tentativeness of awkward new roles.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
The awkwardness of that, the tentativeness.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
And there is some tentativeness.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
An uncharacteristic tentativeness by their best players in the offensive zone.
—Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentativeness
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Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
The awkwardness of that, the tentativeness.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
And there is some tentativeness.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
An uncharacteristic tentativeness by their best players in the offensive zone.
—Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentativeness
Cite this Entry
“Tentativeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentativeness. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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