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

Built around a Jersey club rhythm, the track moves quickly and leaves little room for hesitation. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

The front end simply carves into turns with the slightest shift of body position, leaning over willingly enough to eliminate conscious thought and hesitation right out of the gate. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026

By the end of the day, Gallagher was hooked on the game, in part thanks to a coach who likely sensed his hesitation and put him straight to work. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Colbert had no hesitation about taking the tool to his facial hair, shaving it off and returning to his recognizable clean-shaven look. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026