as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction about the right course of action
her indecision about where to go for dinner, while everyone was getting hungrier by the minute, was frustrating
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Recent Examples of indecision
This hesitation was not the result of vacillating between options in indecision, but an active and regulated brain process to pause before acting due to environmental uncertainty.
—
Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Every meeting that ends with indecision and another meeting?
—Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
When a child or young adult shows signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm or suicidal ideation, indecision and adult conflict can deepen the harm.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Consumers who buy apparel and footwear in-store have the opportunity to try merchandise on before checking out, whereas indecision on fit when purchasing via e-commerce often leads to bracketing, or the practice of buying multiple sizes of the same item with plans to return what doesn’t work.
—Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indecision
Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Every meeting that ends with indecision and another meeting?
—Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
When a child or young adult shows signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm or suicidal ideation, indecision and adult conflict can deepen the harm.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Consumers who buy apparel and footwear in-store have the opportunity to try merchandise on before checking out, whereas indecision on fit when purchasing via e-commerce often leads to bracketing, or the practice of buying multiple sizes of the same item with plans to return what doesn’t work.
—Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indecision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecision
Noun
-
While that hesitation is healthy (generally, reimagining your routine as often as social media encourages isn’t always best), turns out there is actual merit to tweaking your products along with the evolving seasons.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
-
His short responses feel distant, and his hesitation comes across as disinterest.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Since the conflict in Iran began, travel agents have reported some hesitancy among travelers to purchase upcoming cruises.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Lindsay pointed out that that hesitancy, combined with the ongoing controversy, may lead viewers to lose trust in the franchise as a whole.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That the Astros even added Vázquez underscores their hesitance to hand César Salazar the backup role, despite Salazar’s familiarity with their pitching staff and strong clubhouse reputation.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
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Analysts have noted Mojtaba's lack of adequate religious credentials and hesitance within the regime to oversee a dynastic succession as marks against his candidacy to be the next supreme leader.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The pause applies to Iranian oil loaded on ships as of Friday and is set to end April 19.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
But if your friend has no idea what your partner’s talking about, that could be reason to take pause, Charlot said.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Indecision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecision. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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