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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitation
Cultural and corporate hesitations around nuclear energy must be addressed strategically.
—
Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
This hesitation could mean pharmaceutical companies are missing out on a major opportunity to connect with viewers, according to a new analysis by the TV outcomes firm EDO.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Feb. 2025
Fran: One of the bigger stories out of this year’s Sundance has been distributors’ hesitation — whether due to lingering effects of the fires or buyers’ skepticism or some combination — to buy up the stronger films at the festival.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Given the show’s eerie relevance right now, was there any hesitation or concerns from the studio in the process of making it, or marketing, or any of that?
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitation 
Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
This hesitation could mean pharmaceutical companies are missing out on a major opportunity to connect with viewers, according to a new analysis by the TV outcomes firm EDO.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Feb. 2025
Fran: One of the bigger stories out of this year’s Sundance has been distributors’ hesitation — whether due to lingering effects of the fires or buyers’ skepticism or some combination — to buy up the stronger films at the festival.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Given the show’s eerie relevance right now, was there any hesitation or concerns from the studio in the process of making it, or marketing, or any of that?
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hesitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitation
Noun
-
And so there’s been no hesitancy with me sending you the Final Draft file.—
Pamela McClintock,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Seems to be a hesitancy to their play, consistent with over-thinking.—
Scott Wheeler,
The Athletic,
29 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Lobell said cost plays a key role in the hesitance to innovate.—
James Manso,
WWD,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Renick said that Gemma's hesitance to accept treats likely stems from her past, which remains a mystery but clearly included hardships.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
Newsweek,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Not done yet Martin Truex Jr. has put his retirement on pause for another shot at the Daytona 500.—
Edgar Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2025
-
On Friday, a judge prevented the Trump administration from placing 2,200 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development, known as USAID, on administrative leave, after a pause on all new U.S. foreign assistance programs funded by the State Department and USAID the week prior.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
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 organization was criticized back in 2014 for its long delay in declaring the outbreak a public health emergency, which hindered swift containment measures that could have prevented the virus from spreading across borders.—
Jess Craig,
Vox,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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