Synonyms of hesitant

hesitant

adjective

ˈhe-zə-tənt 

as in reluctant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

he was hesitant about committing himself to the oversight of the project, which he knew would be long and difficult

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reluctant
• unsure
• dubious
• loath
• skeptical
• unwilling
• disinclined
• uncertain
• loth
• reticent
• loathe
• cagey
• timid
• cagy
• indisposed
• doubtful
• unenthusiastic
• averse
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• questioning
• irresolute
• undecided
• wobbly
• indecisive
• faltering
• shy
• uneager
• infirm
• wabbly
• vacillating
• halting
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• happy
• glad
• enthusiastic
• willing
• keen
• ready
• decided
• disposed
• sure
• certain
• determined
• resolute
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hesitant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of hesitant are averse, disinclined, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

In what contexts can averse take the place of hesitant?

The synonyms averse and hesitant are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

When might disinclined be a better fit than hesitant?

The words disinclined and hesitant can be used in similar contexts, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When is it sensible to use loath instead of hesitant?

While the synonyms loath and hesitant are close in meaning, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When could reluctant be used to replace hesitant?

The words reluctant and hesitant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hesitant

McPeek was hesitant about starting Render Judgment in the Derby, but the owners of the horse decided to enter him to race in tribute to Keith. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Some institutions have no clear policies or faculty training; others are hesitant to embrace AI at all, viewing it as a threat to academic integrity. —Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Despite its limitations, the study’s findings suggest that mental health professionals, universities, and communities could use these kinds of videos as a complement to more formal treatment, a bridge while people wait for therapy, or a first step for those who are hesitant to seek help. —New Atlas, 1 July 2025

While such funds make up a small portion of the $28 trillion Treasury market, the exodus shows investors have become increasingly hesitant about long-term U.S. debt, said Miguel Laranjeiro, investment director for municipal debt at Aberdeen Asset Management. —Greg McKenna, Fortune, 29 June 2025