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

By making future resale demand visible and clearer, the company said the platform aims to reduce the financial hesitation that often comes with choosing independent designers—especially when an item costs more than mass-market alternatives. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Henry shook backup safety Dell Pettus with a slight hesitation at the goal line before breaking free inside. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

When that was met with no hesitations, that was a pivotal part of me taking this job. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

In some ways, the hesitation among pharmaceutical companies is understandable. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026