hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
Synonyms of hesitation
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
A moment's hesitation could have meant disaster.
I would do it again without hesitation.
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech

Synonyms of hesitation

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Examples of hesitation in a Sentence

one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When Miller and Mica married a few months later, Mica’s family was in attendance but all expressed hesitation at the match. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 On the previous play, Lemon engaged edge rusher Jalyx Hunt with full strength and no hesitation during a wide-zone run — and held his own. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 If your hesitation is about fear, anxiety or burnout, spending time with someone whose perspective leans to the positive might help offset your worries. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Still, some parents say the process remains unclear — and express hesitation on relying on shaky state funds. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing hesitation

Rhymes for hesitation

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Browse Nearby Words

hesitatingly
hesitation
hesitation form
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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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