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

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

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

It's easy to imagine you would act rationally, morally and without hesitation but Should I Marry a Murderer?,

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

I think we expected more hesitation, and maybe a story or seven about what happened at the schools.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

Vocabulary lists containing hesitation

Unit 1: Telling Details

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Catching Fire

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Slam!

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