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

When Miller and Mica married a few months later, Mica’s family was in attendance but all expressed hesitation at the match. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

On the previous play, Lemon engaged edge rusher Jalyx Hunt with full strength and no hesitation during a wide-zone run — and held his own. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

If your hesitation is about fear, anxiety or burnout, spending time with someone whose perspective leans to the positive might help offset your worries. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The reason for his hesitation was the supporting role he was supposed to play. — Daria Egidi, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026