HESITANCE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

hesitance

noun

ˈhe-zə-tən(t)s

Definition of hesitance

as in reluctance

a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something sales figures for the month were up, as consumers began to overcome their hesitance about purchasing big-ticket items

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hesitation

a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action she mistook my hesitance to mean I didn't like her poem, but I was trying to come up with appropriate words of praise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hesitance After a pause for the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, social hesitance was still evident and masks were incorporated into some of the night's designs. — Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 4 May 2026 Sensing hesitance as well as incompetence, coaches and players alike tried to sway the flailing fill-ins at every turn. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Some supporters of the Wide Awakes’ rebirth have expressed hesitance about its aesthetics, especially the optics of torch-wielding vigilantes marching through the streets. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026 Management’s choice to uphold full-year guidance for 5% revenue growth and $1 billion in additional free cash flow, even after the positive performance, indicates internal hesitance regarding the sustainability of hardware. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hesitance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitance

Noun

But if his account of Pichai’s reluctance is accurate, an entire ocean may be one step too far for Google.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Frustration is also growing over what is seen as Haitian authorities’ reluctance to get their house in order, from tackling corruption to fixing its judiciary.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of reluctance

Noun

After some hesitation, the co-anchor finally placed his crown on his head.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The slowdown in investment was put down to government hesitation over changes to Italy’s domestic tax incentive for TV shows and films.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Noun

Opposition or hesitancy has been less focused on Hasan's death sentence which has broad support among Republicans, but on the decision to broadcast it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Consider the party’s hesitancy in addressing the financial ramifications of China’s demographic decline.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitancy

Noun

While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of pause

Browse Nearby Words

hero-worships

hesitance

hesitancy

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Style

“Hesitance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hesitance

noun

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