1
as in doubts
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something
I had misgivings about the alleged victim's story, but I was afraid to speak up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in qualms
an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do
he was filled with misgivings about committing himself to such a huge loan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misgivings
Eventually, scientists’ misgivings, expressed largely in academic journals and to journalists, erupted into outright dissent.
—
Sophie Yeo, The Dial, 4 Nov. 2025
In 2023, Karp had a message for people in the tech industry who have misgivings about his company's dealings with intelligence agencies and the military.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
After the political unrest in Bologna petered out, Rovelli transferred his deep misgivings to the very fabric of reality.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
His Conservative government also made its misgivings clear about England players taking the knee before Euro 2020.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
After the catastrophe, even senior figures signalled misgivings.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
The misgivings were only his imagination.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Hart acknowledges his son and brings him into the family fold, despite clear misgivings.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Democratic senators have since voiced their misgivings.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Sophie Yeo, The Dial, 4 Nov. 2025
In 2023, Karp had a message for people in the tech industry who have misgivings about his company's dealings with intelligence agencies and the military.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
After the political unrest in Bologna petered out, Rovelli transferred his deep misgivings to the very fabric of reality.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
His Conservative government also made its misgivings clear about England players taking the knee before Euro 2020.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
After the catastrophe, even senior figures signalled misgivings.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
The misgivings were only his imagination.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Hart acknowledges his son and brings him into the family fold, despite clear misgivings.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Democratic senators have since voiced their misgivings.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misgivings
Noun
-
If anyone still had any doubts about her abilities, this—a supporting part that felt seismic—was their answer.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Anyone who has doubts about a call claiming to be Geneva police should call Geneva police themselves at 630-232-4736.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But if Venezuela, after inevitable turmoil in the near term, thrives, perhaps even helping to spread regional prosperity and security, those qualms won’t matter.—
Andreas Kluth,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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As for the stigma that may come with having used a weight-loss drug, Gaffigan has no qualms about it.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The data, to skip ahead, did clearly prove that the suspicions were correct.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
-
When Allen went in motion to the right side of the line, this seemed to confirm the Saints’ suspicions as their safeties and linebackers shifted with Allen.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This approval was granted despite objections from more than 30 consumer advocacy groups that warned the system lacked proper safety testing.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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The filmmaker’s claim of innocence became a cause célèbre in Italy, leading to diplomatic pressure to transfer him, despite fierce objections by the Miami-Dade state prosecutors who convicted him.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misgivings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misgivings. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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