Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for hanging back. Search instead for hanging bananas.

hanging back

ADJECTIVE
hesitant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid averse doubtful halting indecisive loath reluctant shy skeptical slow tentative timid unsure unwilling
WEAK
backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubting faltering half-hearted hesitating irresolute lacking confidence lazy uneager unpredictable vacillating wavering
Antonyms
STRONGEST
believing bold brave certain confident decisive definite eager extroverted fearless ready sure willing
WEAK
resolute unhesitant unwavering
ADJECTIVE
reluctant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid averse cautious circumspect hesitant loath shy slow squeamish uncertain wary
WEAK
backward calculating chary demurring diffident discouraged disheartened disinclined grudging hesitating indisposed involuntary laggard opposed queasy recalcitrant remiss slack tardy uneager
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bold careless certain definite heedless incautious indiscreet rash ready sure uncareful willing
WEAK
anxious eager enthusiastic
ADJECTIVE
vacillant
Synonyms
WEAK
afraid averse backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubtful doubting faltering half-hearted halting hesitating indecisive irresolute lacking confidence lazy loath pendulous reluctant shilly-shally shy skeptical slow tentative timid uneager unpredictable unsure unwilling vacillating vacillatory wavering
ADJECTIVE
vacillatory
Synonyms
WEAK
afraid averse backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubtful doubting faltering half-hearted halting hesitating indecisive irresolute lacking confidence lazy loath pendulous reluctant shilly-shally shy skeptical slow tentative timid uneager unpredictable unsure unwilling vacillant vacillating wavering

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gordon, who graduated from the local Otis Art Institute and now calls L.A. home, stopped by briefly, hanging back incognito in a “Ballroom Marfa” baseball cap and shades.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023

Big Oil is hanging back, watching while wildcatters take on the risky exploratory work.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 15, 2023

And in Ottawa, police were still hanging back, circulating in small numbers and not visibly handing out tickets or making arrests.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2022

"I didn't expect to see so many people," said Rebeca Brito, a 22-year-old nurse, hanging back to avoid the crowds.

From Reuters • Nov. 1, 2021

They just stood there, hanging back a little, like a pair of naughty kids.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson