Synonyms of hesitation

hesitation

noun

ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən 

as in hesitancy

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

one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hesitation

Adams thinks the psychological toll of that happening even once to a defender can sow doubt and maybe even hesitation, which will ultimately help the quarterback and offensive line. — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Duffy and Campos-Duffy express hesitations about her potentially attending Harvard due to their Catholic beliefs. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Those deeper motivations influence which information feels credible, what creates hesitation, and what gives a person enough confidence to move forward. — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Returns continue to erode margins across the industry, with fit and sizing consistently cited as the primary driver of purchase hesitation and post-purchase dissatisfaction. — Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026