hesitant
adjective
hes·i·tant
ˈhe-zə-tənt 
: slow to act or proceed (as from fear, indecision, or unwillingness) : tending to hesitate : showing or feeling reluctance or hesitation
took a hesitant step towards the door
hesitant about accepting the job
hesitantly
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of hesitant in a Sentence
She took a hesitant step back from the door.
He seems hesitant about accepting the job.
Recent Examples on the Web
While many people never add extra weight, doctors say concerns over additional pounds are a key reason people may be hesitant to start taking an antidepressant for their mental health.
—
Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 2 July 2024
The 31-year-old NFL veteran plans to eventually add a few more locations nationwide but is hesitant to expand too quickly.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 2 July 2024
Morales describes her son as a social introvert who keeps to himself and, at times, is hesitant to voice his opinion.
—Janel Martinez, Parents, 2 July 2024
Icons Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are not hesitant to give Usher his flowers.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitant 
Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 2 July 2024
The 31-year-old NFL veteran plans to eventually add a few more locations nationwide but is hesitant to expand too quickly.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 2 July 2024
Morales describes her son as a social introvert who keeps to himself and, at times, is hesitant to voice his opinion.
—Janel Martinez, Parents, 2 July 2024
Icons Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are not hesitant to give Usher his flowers.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitant
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hesitant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near hesitant
Cite this Entry
“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hesitant
adjective
hes·i·tant
ˈhez-ə-tənt
: tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed
hesitantly
adverb
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