misgiving

noun

mis·​giv·​ing ˌmis-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce misgiving (audio)
Synonyms of misgivingnext
: a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event
Many people have expressed misgivings about his ability to do the job.

Examples of misgiving in a Sentence

I felt some misgiving about his ability to do the job. They regarded the plan with misgiving.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But strategists say not to expect most Republicans to back down in defending the president's biggest campaign promise, even as some conservatives share their misgivings publicly about some aggressive tactics and fatal outcomes. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Jan. 2026 Thus far, though, her films express misgivings about the virtue of those bonds. Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026 With Lee’s help, Capote worked to tamp down misgivings. Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026 Despite some of her family's misgivings, Riley’s murder inspired a piece of immigration legislation. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misgiving

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misgiving was in 1582

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Cite this Entry

“Misgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misgiving. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

misgiving

noun
mis·​giv·​ing (ˈ)mis-ˈgiv-iŋ How to pronounce misgiving (audio)
: a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event

More from Merriam-Webster on misgiving

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