Synonyms of fence-sitting

fence-sitting

noun

ˈfen(t)s-ˌsi-tiŋ 

as in hesitation

a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action

in Congress there was a lot of fence-sitting, with many representatives waiting to see which way the political wind was blowing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitation
• hesitancy
• pause
• hesitance
• delay
• wavering
• indecision
• vacillation
• irresolution
• deliberation
• faltering
• uncertainty
• shilly-shallying
• wobbling
• waiting
• shilly-shally
• doubt
• procrastination
• reluctance
• indecisiveness
• debate
• hawing
• consideration
• incertitude
• second thought
• avoidance
• unwillingness
• equivocation
• timidity
• indetermination
• arrière-pensée
• misgiving
• faintheartedness
• indisposition
• disinclination
• aversion
• uncertainness
• timidness
• shyness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resolution
• certainty
• determination
• confidence
• certitude
• firmness
• readiness
• decisiveness
• resoluteness
• eagerness
• sureness
• alacrity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fence-sitting

Lower mortgage rates will spur some fence-sitting buyers into action and increase sales volumes over last year. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026

There’s merit in seeing both sides of an argument, but there’s no honor in fence-sitting forever, which is Alex’s fatal flaw. — Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

The outcome of this exceptionally tight presidential race may turn on whether Harris, in these final days of the campaign, can convince enough fence-sitting voters to embrace that message. — David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024

After the meeting, three delegates who had been fence-sitting for months sought me out for the secret handshake. — Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 17 Sep. 2024

The endorsement is just one part of Harris' strategy to win over fence-sitting Republican voters. — Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2024

With the world watching, President Biden delivered a press conference performance strong enough to buy time from fence-sitting Democrats — but wobbly enough to keep the mutiny armed and dangerous. — Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 July 2024

In an impassioned speech – sketched out on little notecards, no less – Rhys had managed to sway enough of the fence-sitting members, and the bylaws had been amended. — Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024