1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of hesitancy
He is shifty enough, though, and competes quite hard, showing no hesitancy to play the body.
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Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 27 Aug. 2024
The event signals a substantial nod of confidence in Harris from a critical part of the LGBTQ+ community that has historically eyed her with hesitancy.
—Condé Nast, Them, 15 Aug. 2024
Many attribute their hesitancy to the perception that physicians are unwilling or unable to help.
—Henry Bair, STAT, 31 July 2024
Rivera, who lives in Goodyear, will be voting for the very first time in this election, and despite some hesitancy at the beginning, solidified his support for Harris.
—Rafael Carranza, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitancy 
Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 27 Aug. 2024
The event signals a substantial nod of confidence in Harris from a critical part of the LGBTQ+ community that has historically eyed her with hesitancy.
—Condé Nast, Them, 15 Aug. 2024
Many attribute their hesitancy to the perception that physicians are unwilling or unable to help.
—Henry Bair, STAT, 31 July 2024
Rivera, who lives in Goodyear, will be voting for the very first time in this election, and despite some hesitancy at the beginning, solidified his support for Harris.
—Rafael Carranza, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitancy
Noun
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Historically, the reluctance of insurance companies to cover obesity medications is born out of a belief that obesity is a personal failing.Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
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The out and proud Ted comes to visit Steven midway through season 1, and provides a fascinating contrast to Steven's reluctance to embrace his sexuality, primarily out of fear of his father's reprisal.Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Focus on retention, education, activation, new tech and rewarding your people to start the next year with momentum, not hesitation.Yogesh Shah, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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Despite potential hesitation from fellow Republicans, Trump persists that the former Fox News host is ethically equipped to handle the role.Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This hesitance could jeopardize the continent's climate goals and its automotive sector, which is heavily reliant on transitioning to EVs.Robert Rapier, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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As the war in Ukraine escalated and the enmity between Moscow and its Western rivals deepened, Lukashenko's apparent hesitance to fully commit to the conflict seems to have bought him some level of freedom from retaliation.David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This time of year offers a natural pause to evaluate the past and consider the future.Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
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Drone activity over the weekend forced a pause on air traffic in at least two states.Emma Bowman, NPR, 15 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near hesitancy
Cite this Entry
“Hesitancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitancy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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