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.

That left Wembanyama one flagrant foul away from an automatic suspension and the Knicks seized upon the moment of Spurs hesitation to mount a 13-0 scoring run.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

"It looks as if it's also an elbow to the side of the head as well. VAR have asked the referee to come over and he had no hesitation in giving the penalty."

From BBC • May 13, 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 yelled, and without hesitation the chupacabras jumped up and ran off.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary lists containing hesitation

Unit 1: Telling Details

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Catching Fire

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Slam!

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!