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Showing results for hesitate. Search instead for t hesitate.
Definitions

hesitate

[hez-i-tayt] / ˈhɛz ɪˌteɪt /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

When asked who stood out at practice, Redick didn’t hesitate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026

You hesitate to call it a must-win so soon in Pocognoli's reign, but for feel-good purposes it really is.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

At first, markets greeted the Fed’s rate hike with relief; President Trump had argued rates were already too high, and investors had worried that Warsh would hesitate to tackle rising prices head-on.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

He said he wouldn’t hesitate to act if the inflation picture worsened.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026

I open my mouth to say something about it, but I hesitate.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

She hesitates, then blurts out the news, barely holding back laughter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

Most people recognize the familiar situation at a restaurant or dinner party when one plate arrives early and the person served hesitates to start eating.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 12, 2026

That is the case for Lucia May, aged four, who hesitates as she looks at skulls peeking from wooden boxes, some still with some hair.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2025

He kisses her forehead then goes to kiss her on the lips before she apparently hesitates and they continue dancing.

From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2025

Karl blinks, hesitates, and then a flicker of understanding passes over his face.

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

They hesitated as they questioned who would ultimately have to pay for the extra firefighters and equipment they ordered.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

Continental was one of several U.S. oil companies that had hesitated for months to commit large amounts of capital to Venezuela.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

"I was young and I hesitated when thinking about leaving my country, in order to pursue new goals and paths," he said.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

He hesitated before adding, “And you’ll have to call my college. Tell them I won’t be able to attend.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

Ophie hesitated, because she didn’t want to say anything the ghost didn’t want to hear.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

"I'm hesitating because I'm speaking on behalf of other people and that's very difficult to do," he said.

From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026

DSA-LA member Anna Gross argued that neither candidate was ideal, with Huang, who has little political experience, being a long shot and Raman hesitating to fully embrace the group.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2026

They held them up to the light, pressed them between their fingers, hesitating — until, one by one, they took a bite.

From Salon ● Mar. 17, 2026

That removed a near-term overhang on the stock, but private lenders are hesitating to back its plans, according to Schwartz.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026

"Well..." she said again, still hesitating, still refusing to say "No."

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl




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