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

Specifically, the report found that students at UC Davis trust officials to defend speech and now have less hesitation in expressing themselves. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

As a kid, three chickens might be divided among the children; hesitation meant going hungry. — Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

In the sequel, Sally has endured heartbreak again and a new potential love interest (played by Lee Pace) — but with hesitations. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

His hesitation might not even be that noteworthy — except a more serious base-running blunder immediately followed the play as Stott did not score from third and the Philadelphia Phillies went on to lose by one run against the Astros. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026