hesitant
adjective
hesitating; undecided, doubtful, or disinclined.
hesitantly
-
a word derived from
hesitant.
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.
A friend hesitantly told him: “André, you have blurred photographs.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026
They have torched their credibility by violating the most fundamental obligations of candor to a court—not hesitantly, but proudly so, with undisguised disdain toward judges attempting to salvage whatever remains of the rule of law.
From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2025
When Victoria challenges her spiritually curious daughter to spend the night at the Buddhist center to get a sense of what she’s in for long term, Piper hesitantly accepts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 23, 2025
Presidential front-runner and governing party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum hesitantly met with representatives from the Mexican bishops’ conference.
From Seattle Times ● May 27, 2024
He occasionally glances at me and smiles hesitantly, so I haven’t completely blown it with him.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
