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.

More recently, a doji on Wednesday came close to filling the upside gap left from that April 28 session, highlighting ongoing hesitation in the trend.

From Barron's • May 14, 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

For Nazakat Ali, that hesitation has become part of the job.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

While the season showcased Simpson’s ability to carve up defenses, there was widespread hesitation about using a premium pick on him because of his lack of experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

When he got to her, he wrapped the coat around her shoulders and, after a slight hesitation, pulled her to him and rubbed his hands up and down her arms.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Vocabulary lists containing hesitation

Unit 1: Telling Details

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Catching Fire

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Slam!

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