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
• unwilling
• unsure
• loath
• skeptical
• dubious
• reticent
• disinclined
• uncertain
• cagey
• indisposed
• timid
• doubtful
• unenthusiastic
• averse
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• questioning
• irresolute
• undecided
• wobbly
• indecisive
• faltering
• uneager
• infirm
• shy
• 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

But it is likewise known to be hesitant to disclose much information during such outbreaks, possibly driven by the importance tourism plays in its economy. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 30 June 2026

Some of my colleagues who cover the Pentagon report an environment of fear where military leaders are hesitant to question internal policies for fear of being sidelined, as sometimes happened in the Vietnam era. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Norway’s Jørgen Strand Larsen couldn’t convert a penalty kick after a very slow and hesitant run-up. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

On the left, Nico O’Reilly was tasked with drifting inside, leaving Rashford to take on his man himself, while Quansah was hesitant to get forward, nominally the right centre-back whenever England had the ball. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 27 June 2026