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.

Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail said rising fuel costs, increased mortgage rates, and layoffs contribute to customer hesitation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

"For the blood of the martyrs, sing the national anthem with firmness and without hesitation," read one placard.

From Barron's • 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

"There is to be no hesitation," he said in a social media post, adding that US mine "sweepers" are clearing the strait "right now".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Fischer, without hesitation, tapped Spassky’s right hand—and Spassky opened it to reveal the black pawn.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing hesitation

Unit 1: Telling Details

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Slam!

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