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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitation
In an era where generative AI and autonomous agents are rapidly redefining how work gets done, hesitation is the new risk.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
There was some hesitation because of restrictions on motorized travel in the Boundary Water Canoe Area, but the man agreed to do the job after the state field men assured him the carcass was just outside the area’s boundary.
—Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025
Was there hesitation on your end to sample a record like that knowing that your boss made it?
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Their only hesitation were their concerns for his future.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
There was some hesitation because of restrictions on motorized travel in the Boundary Water Canoe Area, but the man agreed to do the job after the state field men assured him the carcass was just outside the area’s boundary.
—Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025
Was there hesitation on your end to sample a record like that knowing that your boss made it?
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Their only hesitation were their concerns for his future.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
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This public mandate for bold climate action stands in sharp contrast to the political hesitancy now on display.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
-
While the #MeToo movement has set the stage for French society to listen when survivors of abuse come forward, there is still some hesitancy within families to accept what happened at Bétharram.—
Colette Davidson,
Christian Science Monitor,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Several major automakers are investing billions of dollars into American EV production despite the U.S. hesitance to adopt EVs.—
Charles Singh,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
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Despite hesitance from some Republican senators, all of Trump’s nominees who have come for a vote on the floor have been confirmed, even his most contentious picks.—
Elizabeth Crisp,
The Hill,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Decisions are made, the next task appears, and there’s little pause to examine what worked or what missed.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Even though no funding has been cut, Jackson condemned the administration, contending the effect of the pause is going to be massive and could result in North Carolina firing about 1,000 educators.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Trump in his Saturday letters to von der Leyen and Sheinbaum announced a 30 percent tariff rate on goods imported into the U.S. beginning Aug. 1, after an initial 90-day pause and deadline delay lapses on the import taxes.—
Steff Danielle Thomas,
The Hill,
12 July 2025
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Elite performances have been on display, but much of the spotlight has been on delays caused by heatwaves and lightning storms, welfare concerns from coaches and players, attendance figures and questions around commercial integrity.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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