HESITANCY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

hesitancy

noun

ˈhe-zə-tən(t)-sē

Definition of hesitancy

as in reluctance

a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something his appointment to the superintendency was confirmed by the school board without the least hesitancy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hesitation

a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action his hesitancy in pulling over into the next lane while he had a chance resulted in him missing his exit

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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 hesitancy Lotus seems to have ironed out the hesitancy that previously afflicted the dual-clutch ’box, particularly when parking. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026 Sidewalk safety, a tale of two cities There is no such hesitancy with cities collecting roadway data. — Wes Marshall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 The Iranian regime’s apparent hesitancy to resume in-person talks is a significant step back from the high-level talks that took place in Switzerland earlier this month following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the countries. — Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 30 June 2026 Women’s hesitancy to use AI is instead a rational response to a competency penalty that women face when using AI in the workplace. — Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hesitancy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitancy

Noun

Israeli police and military reluctance The Israeli police are overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, himself a hard-line settler who has been convicted eight times for offenses that include supporting a terrorist organization.

— Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Intense pride in their home has resulted in both protective zoning codes and an inbred reluctance to sell.

— Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of reluctance

Noun

Founders will notice hesitation, enthusiasm, chemistry, confidence, uncertainty, who’s influencing the room, whether the customer is actually excited.

— Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
His flowering is optimal for someone who hosts a show called The Reluctant Traveler, and Levy and director David Brindley both agree that the comedian’s hesitations have waned — at least a little.

— Matthew Jacobs, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Noun

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
That hesitance in the Republican Party coexists with palpable relief that there’s a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East after months of strikes on Iran.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 June 2026

Definition of hesitance

Noun

This is lunch à la Provençale; expect a multi-course meal with pauses between courses (no, the service isn't slow).

— Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
As a result, the governor has issued a variety of directives on data centers since June, including a pause on data center development and lawmakers in Texas are reacting.

— Jack Fink, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of pause

Browse Nearby Words

hesitance

hesitancy

hesitant

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“Hesitancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitancy. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hesitancy

noun

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