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.

He hesitates to call what he was doing playing at the professional level.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 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

She hesitates for about 30 seconds, walking backwards and forwards.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

He hesitates, a beat of annoyance flickers through his eyes.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam