second thoughts

NOUN

change of heart

Synonyms

WEAK

180 about-face apostasy backpedaling change of mind defection flip-flop reversal turnaround volte-face

NOUN

cold feet

Synonyms

WEAK

anxiety apprehension backing out chickenheart doubt faint heart fear fear of carrying out an activity reservations timidity weak knees white feather yellow streak

NOUN

compunction

Synonyms

STRONG

attrition conscience contrition misgiving penitence pity punctiliousness qualm reluctance remorse repentance rue ruth shame sympathy

WEAK

penitency stab of conscience

Antonyms

STRONG

disdain happiness indifference mercilessness

WEAK

defiance meanness no remorse

NOUN

flip-flop

Synonyms

STRONGEST

U-turn about-face reversal turnabout volte-face

STRONG

change changeover switch turnaround

WEAK

change of course change of heart switchover

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.

But he had second thoughts after that actually happened.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

But on Saturday he told the press he’s had second thoughts because “the war is complicated enough.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

He says while he would have jumped at the chance to go to Brit School as a teenager, now he would have second thoughts.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

"The AI revolution is here, no second thoughts about it," said Nara Lokesh, information technology minister for Andhra Pradesh state, which is positioning the city of Visakhapatnam as a cornerstone of India's AI push.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

But on second thoughts he decided that there was, after all, some sense in it.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

second thoughts

Example Sentences

Related Words