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.
These spurious claims about childhood vaccines will only increase vaccine hesitation with harmful results. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 By making future resale demand visible and clearer, the company said the platform aims to reduce the financial hesitation that often comes with choosing independent designers—especially when an item costs more than mass-market alternatives. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 Henry shook backup safety Dell Pettus with a slight hesitation at the goal line before breaking free inside. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026 When that was met with no hesitations, that was a pivotal part of me taking this job. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hesitation

Nglish: Translation of hesitation for Spanish Speakers

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