as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action after a moment of anguished irresolution, I raised my rifle and fired at the charging animal
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of irresolution The Oslo musician’s debut album is a darkly glamorous blur of trip-hop and dance pop, with copious reverb and Auto-Tune as stand-ins for yearning, uneasiness, and irresolution. —
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irresolution
Noun
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What made the league’s hesitation so baffling is that Clark’s rise lifts everyone around her.— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
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But when Niesen presented the plans to the abbot of the monastery, he was met with hesitation.— Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Despite Pickford’s relative hesitancy to engage aerially, Everton have been one of the most effective teams in the league at defending corners, conceding just five goals, the joint third fewest in the Premier League.— Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
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This hesitancy is showing up in the market.— Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Shares of McCormick fell 6% in morning trading, while Unilever's stock down 4%, reflecting investors' hesitance about the mega-merger.— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
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That likely means there won’t be any hesitance by Stammen to use his higher-leverage relievers today and tomorrow.— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Scott will be 25 years old as a rookie, which gives the pairing some pause, but the Bills are currently without a backup nickel at this point.— Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
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And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon.— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irresolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/irresolution. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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