Synonyms for hesitation
ˌhɛz ɪˈteɪ ʃənhes·i·ta·tion

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.5 / 2 votes

1. hesitationnoun

   Doubt is a lack of conviction that may refer either to matters of belief or to matters of practise. As regards belief, while doubt is lack of conviction, disbelief is conviction, to the contrary; unbelief refers to a settled state of mind, generally accompanied with opposition of heart. Perplexity is active and painful; doubt may be quiescent. Perplexity presses toward a solution; doubt may be content to linger unresolved. Any improbable statement awakens incredulity. In theological usage unbelief and skepticism have a condemnatory force, as implying wilful rejection of manifest truth. As regards practical matters, uncertainty applies to the unknown or undecided; doubt implies some negative evidence. Suspense regards the future, and is eager and anxious; uncertainty may relate to any period, and be quite indifferent. Misgiving is ordinarily in regard to the outcome of something already done or decided; hesitation, indecision, and irresolution have reference to something that remains to be decided or done, and are due oftener to infirmity of will than to lack of knowledge. Distrust and suspicion apply especially to the motives, character, etc., of others, and are more decidedly adverse than doubt. Scruple relates to matters of conscience and duty.

   Synonyms:
   disbelief, distrust, doubt, doubt, hesitancy, incredulity, indecision, irresolution, misgiving, perplexity, question, scruple, skepticism, suspense, suspicion, unbelief, uncertainty

   Antonyms:
   assurance, belief, certainty, confidence, conviction, decision, determination, persuasion, resolution, resolve

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. hesitation, vacillation, waveringnoun

   indecision in speech or action

   Synonyms:
   disinclination, falter, reluctance, fluctuation, wavering, indisposition, swinging, swing, faltering, vacillation, waver, hesitancy

2. reluctance, hesitancy, hesitation, disinclination, indispositionnoun

   a certain degree of unwillingness

   "a reluctance to commit himself"; "his hesitancy revealed his basic indisposition"; "after some hesitation he agreed"

   Synonyms:
   disinclination, hesitance, reluctance, falter, wavering, indisposition, faltering, vacillation, waver, hesitancy

3. hesitation, waver, falter, falteringnoun

   the act of pausing uncertainly

   "there was a hesitation in his speech"

   Synonyms:
   disinclination, falter, reluctance, flicker, wavering, indisposition, flutter, faltering, vacillation, waver, hesitancy

Matched Categories

1. • Indecision
   • Pause
   • Unwillingness

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. hesitationnoun

   Synonyms:
   uncertainly, doubt, suspense, hesitancy, vacillation

2. hesitationnoun

   Synonyms:
   faltering, stammering, difficulty of utterance

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. hesitationnoun

   Synonyms:
   indecision, doubt, vacillation, reluctance, wavering

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "hesitation":

   hesitancy, reluctance, vacillation, doubt, indecision, procrastination, reticence, indecisiveness, timidity

How to pronounce hesitation?

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use hesitation in a sentence?

1. Seraphina Harrell:

   What drove the conflict when Crystal Kelley was pregnant with Crystal Kelley, was whether or not Crystal Kelley'd have a meaningful life. And I think without hesitation, the answer to that question is yes, Crystal Kelley did. Seraphina had a very, very meaningful and happy life.

2. Eric Baum:

   What Mario Batali did to Natali Tene was disgusting and vile, mario Batali sexually assaulted our client in open view and without hesitation. Mario Batali has shown no remorse. Mario Batali actions can not go unanswered.

3. Hunter Harris:

   I immediately knew that something needed to be done, there was no hesitation. It was a scary situation, but I knew that I was going to do my best. I knew he needed help.

4. La Bruy?re:

   Gross ignorance produces a dogmatic spirit. He who knows nothing thinks he can teach others what he has himself just been learning. He who knows much scarcely believes that what he is saying is unknown to others, and consequently speaks with more hesitation.

5. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov:

   If I can advise President President Joe Biden, I would like President Joe Biden to articulate to Vladimir Putin that no red lines from the Kremlin side should be here. The red line is here in Ukraine and the civilized world will react without hesitation, the idea of not provoking Russia will not work.