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

Even Meta -- which earlier this year encouraged employees to use as many tokens as possible as a measure of productivity -- has had second thoughts.

From Barron's • May 31, 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

Now, some officials in San Diego have begun to have second thoughts of their own.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

He paddled only a few blocks before he began to have second thoughts.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

second thoughts

Example Sentences

Related Words