Definitions

hesitation

[hez-i-tey-shuhn] / ˌhɛz ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

NOUN

waiting; uncertainty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

doubt equivocation hesitancy indecision misgiving mistrust pause procrastination qualm reluctance skepticism unwillingness vacillation

STRONG

dawdling delay demurral dubiety faltering fluctuation indecisiveness indisposition irresolution oscillation scruple wavering

WEAK

averseness delaying fumbling hemming and hawing stammering stumbling stuttering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

belief certainty confidence faith trust

WEAK

eagerness go perseverance sureness

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.

I cant be the only one,” she mused, but expressed hesitation about pursuing any action.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

"Serbia has an open path towards the European Union. However, Serbia must also decide where it stands. A policy of hesitation between Russia, China and Europe is not possible," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

She told me without hesitation: "It's still Lancashire to me, I know my postcode is Manchester, but I will always live in Lancashire."

From BBC • May 28, 2026

I think it starts from the same thing that inspired my own hesitation to declare the frozen trucker case absurd when I first heard about it.

From Slate • May 13, 2026

I look at her with a mix of hesitation and exhaustion.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Vocabulary lists containing hesitation

Unit 1: Telling Details

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Catching Fire

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Slam!

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