HESITATIONS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

hesitation

noun

ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən

Definition of hesitation

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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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 Teams measure prescriptions written with real rigor and almost never measure prescriptions filled, even though a pharmacist, a benefits system and a patient’s own hesitation still stand between the two. — Harshit Jain, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 At first, it’s seen in Soulan’s hesitation at accepting children from other villages to his class — then in his rage at his mother for feeding guests at the potential expense of the children’s meals. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 The new work is a radical take on aging and femininity, an uncut hit of Cindy Sherman—despite, or maybe even because of, her initial hesitation. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026 My hesitation remains the Vikings’ strong defense, limited offensive production and Christian Darrisaw’s uncertain availability. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

However, Pritzker’s hesitance to deploy a comprehensive solution to data centers could be his Achilles’ heel in the primaries.

— Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Dexter grapples with killing her, but Rudy eventually can’t handle Dexter’s hesitance and takes the knife into his own hands—and nearly plunges it into Debra’s chest before Dexter stops him.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026

Definition of hesitance

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

Noun

By contrast, recent restrictions or delays suggest a greater emphasis on managing relations with Beijing and avoiding unnecessary escalation.

— Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The delay raises a broader question about A24’s international release strategy at a time when social media can turn a film into a global cultural event overnight.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

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hesitatingly

hesitation

heterodox

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“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hesitation

noun

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